In a paragraph of 3 sentences, compare the two opposing American opinions regarding expansion of U.S. territory after the Spanish-American War.

Answer 1

After the Spanish-American War, American opinions on territorial expansion were sharply divided. Expansionists, often driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny, argued that acquiring new territories was essential for the nation's economic growth, global power, and the spread of democracy and civilization. Conversely, anti-imperialists contended that expansion violated American principles of self-determination and liberty, fearing it would lead to the subjugation of foreign peoples and compromise the nation’s democratic ideals.