Expansionism in America History Essay Research Paper (Essay Sample)

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Expansionism in America
The last periods of the 19th century stood out as an era of imperial expansion for the US. The American story procured a different course in comparison to that of its European rivals (Pratt 30). This was mainly because of the United States history of the fight against European empires as well as its exceptional democratic development. By early 1910, few colonial powers had control over most of the world (Pratt 30). During this period, the sources of American expansionism varied. Globally, the time was considered one of imperialist frenzy since European powers battled for control of Africa. Additionally, along with Japan, they competed for trade and influence in Asia. Several Americans comprising of influential figures like Elihu Root, Henry Cabot Lodge, and Theodore Roosevelt, felt that for the United States to safeguard its interests, it also had to struggle for economic influence (Pratt 31). This view was supported by a powerful navigational lobby that called not only for an expanded fleet but also a network of overseas ports that was deemed essential to the political and economic security of the nation.
Collectively, the policy of manifest destiny was revised to mean that the United States now had a duty and right to extend its civilization and influence in the western hemisphere as well as the Caribbean, and also across the Pacific (Pratt 32). During this period, expressions of anti-imperialism continued from many northern Democrat coalitions as well as Republicans who were reform-minded. For that reason, the attainment of a United States empire was indecisive and piecemeal. Colonial minded executives were often more apprehensive with trade and economic matters than political control. The first venture in which the United States went beyond its borders was when it purchased Alaska, which was thinly populated by the Inuit as well as other native people (Pratt 33). Thirty years later, following the discovery of gold in Klondike River in Alaska, thousands of Americans moved to the North with several of them permanently settling in Alaska.