A Policy of Imperialism in America

From the late 1800s through the early 1900s, Americans pursued a policy of imperialism that became referenced as Social Darwinism. This Imperialist Age left a positive impact on America through the military and economic worlds. Leading the nations, the United States felt that colonies were crucial to military power. Militarism and imperialism were both connected. They were connected because imperialism meant the stronger taking control of the weaker and having a strong military is what America wanted to have to be the more powerful nation and take control.

Europeans have been taking control for years and America didn’t want to be next Imperialism made the military row stronger for its country. In the 19th century, military power was a form of imperial strength. A nation needed a strong military to protect its interests and support its policies. “Seeing that other nations were establishing a global military presence, American leaders advised that the United States build up its own military strength”(Holt 549) Strong armies and navies were needed to take care of the United States, to protect trade among other countries, and stay strong against threats and rivals. Admiral Alfred T. Mahan of the U.S. Navy urged the government officials to strengthen and put time/money into the American naval power.

“As a result of the urging of Mahan and others, the United States built nine steel-hulled cruisers between 1883 and 1890”(Holt 549). This was done in order to compete with other nations. Governments and leaders who have not been able to maintain their armies and navies are considered less than or weaker than other countries. Americans military strengthened and overcame many obstacles for it to be one of the armies of the leading nations.This wasn’t the only positive effect but also. In the late 19th century, advances in technology enabled American farms and factories to produce more than the average amount of American citizens could consume. The United States needed more material for the factories and new, different markets for its goods.

“Imperialists viewed foreign trade as the solution to American overproduction and the related problems of unemployment and economic depression”(Holt 549). The motive for nineteenth-century European imperialism is that imperialism would benefit the economies of the colonial powers. Some Americans formed the idea that Social Darwinism came into play. “A belief that free-market competition would lead to the survival of the fittest”(Holt 550). America was growing and reaching to the top of the economy list of the world and many believed that the United States had the responsibility to help the inferior peoples. Because the American economy advanced and produce more goods, the country became richer than ever and helped make the economy boom.

Overall imperialism really had a major factor when having the United States military grow stronger as it pushed the country to protect its interests and support its policies. But also help the economy rise, advance in technology, and produce more goods.