U.S. Expansionism

Definition

U.S. expansionism refers to the policy of territorial or economic expansion by the United States, particularly from the 19th century onward. This ideology was fueled by a belief in Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent and beyond, influencing political, social, and economic relationships with neighboring countries, especially in Latin America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. U.S. expansionism was marked by key events like the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the annexation of Texas in 1845, which significantly increased U.S. territory.
2. The concept of Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in justifying U.S. expansion, promoting the idea that Americans had a moral obligation to spread democracy and capitalism.
3. U.S. expansionism often led to conflict with indigenous populations and other nations, resulting in wars such as the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848.
4. The Monroe Doctrine served as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, establishing a clear warning to European nations against further colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere.
5. By the late 19th century, U.S. expansionism extended beyond North America into Latin America and the Pacific, leading to significant political influence and interventions in countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Review Questions

• How did the ideology of Manifest Destiny influence U.S. expansionism and its impact on Latin America?
  • Manifest Destiny was a driving force behind U.S. expansionism, suggesting that Americans were divinely ordained to spread their values and institutions across the continent. This ideology justified actions such as territorial acquisitions and military interventions in Latin America, where the U.S. sought to extend its influence. As a result, many Latin American nations faced pressure to align with U.S. interests, often leading to tensions and conflicts over sovereignty and self-determination.
• Evaluate the implications of the Monroe Doctrine for U.S.-Latin American relations during the era of expansionism.
  • The Monroe Doctrine significantly shaped U.S.-Latin American relations by asserting that any European intervention in the Americas would be considered a direct threat to U.S. interests. This policy not only established U.S. dominance in the region but also fostered an environment where Latin American nations were often seen as satellites of U.S. power. The Doctrine allowed for increased American intervention in regional affairs, which sometimes resulted in both support for friendly governments and opposition against those perceived as hostile.
• Assess how U.S. expansionism shaped economic and political dynamics within Latin America during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • U.S. expansionism fundamentally altered economic and political dynamics in Latin America by increasing American influence over trade, investment, and governance. Through practices such as dollar diplomacy and military interventions, the U.S. sought to secure its interests in key markets and resources, which often undermined local autonomy. This created a legacy of dependency that influenced political alignments and social structures in various Latin American countries, leading to complex relationships characterized by both cooperation and resistance against perceived imperialistic actions.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as a threat to U.S. sovereignty.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often associated with the control over foreign territories.