Which conclusion about the United States in 1900 is supported by the map?

A
.

The United States looked to territorial expansion to protect against foreign intervention.

B.

The United States was taking part in the world-wide imperialist competition.

C.

The United States still adhered to George Washington’s advice to avoid foreign entanglements.

D.

The United States used the Monroe Doctrine to support imperialist goals.

1 answer

To determine the best supported conclusion about the United States in 1900 based on the map, we would assess the historical context of that time period, as well as the implications of the map itself.

Given that by 1900 the United States was involved in imperialist actions, including the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, option B seems to be a strong contender.

Here’s a brief breakdown of each option:

A. Territorial expansion for protection against foreign intervention was not the primary motive for U.S. expansion during this period.

B. The participation in world-wide imperialist competition aligns well with U.S. activities at that time, including territorial acquisitions and influence in areas like the Caribbean and Pacific.

C. George Washington's advice to avoid foreign entanglements was not a guiding principle for U.S. actions by 1900; this focus had shifted significantly by then.

D. While the Monroe Doctrine was invoked to justify policies in the Americas, it does not specifically reflect the broader imperialist ambitions that were evident in actions taken by the U.S. in various parts of the world.

Based on this analysis, the conclusion that is most supported by the historical context and likely depicted by the map is:

B. The United States was taking part in the world-wide imperialist competition.