Becoming A World Power: Imperialism: Chris Reyes

Building Support for Imperialism

During the late 1800’s, the desire to find new markets, increase trade, and build a powerful navy caused the United States to become more involved in international affairs. A desire for world markets and beliefs in the superiority of Anglo-Saxon culture led the United States to assert itself as a world power. Beginning in the 1880’s, however, economic and military competitions from other nations, as well as a growing feeling of cultural superiority, convinced many Americans that the United States should become a world power. Most Americans showed little interest in expanding their nations’ territory outside the United States or increasing its international influence.