Imperialsm and Manifest Destiny

In 1898, America was beginning to expand its horizons. But unlike Manifest Destiny over a half century before, they were now seeking out overseas lands. Realizing the great increase in the cost of exports, America was put in a compromising position. With a booming increase in wealth and industrialism, the nation was prepared to take on new challenges outside of its boundaries. Other elements also stimulated the imperialist attitude. The “yellow press” and missionaries made the behavior glorified and reinforced the sentiments of aggressively undertaking new challenges. These actions were similar to those of the Manifest Destiny era. During that era, America was under divine guidance to control the North American continent from coast to coast. It would appear that the new imperialistic behavior was a mere extension of the ideas that led Americans west; now, they were traveling South and East. Both policies also seemed to have economic motives and instilled a sense of national pride into America. However, there are notable distinctions It is fair to say that imperialism was a direct expansion of Manifest Destiny with striking similarities and differences.

The overseas expansion began in 1898 with the Spanish-American war. Now impulsive, and rash to act, America used the explosion of the Maine to ignite a war with Spain. As the Rough Riders engaged in battle in Cuba, the American dominance overseas was beginning to be realized. Another successful campaign occurred in the Philippines, where the capture of Aguinaldo led to their victory. Although many believe that the victory in the Spanish-American War supplanted them as a world power, the war solidified the reality that they had always been a world power. The imperialistic victories of America throughout the world gave notice to that they were not afraid to act. As time progressed, America began to grow as the Pacific islands were becoming possessions of America. This territorial expansion that took place during imperialism can be paralleled to the expansion of Manifest Destiny. Both sought

to expand America. The Mexican War, as part of Manifest Destiny, begins over a border dispute between Texas and Mexico, but the U.S. quickly asserts control over California,

far to the west, even subduing a more for independence there. The

Spanish-American War, as part of imperialism, begins over Cuba, but the U.S. quickly asserts control over the Philippines, half the world away. "Defensive expansionism" is sometimes used to justify these conquests, but the shadings between such "defensive" strategic actions and imperialism can be subject to debate in both instances.

Despite America’s contention that Manifest Destiny and imperialism were for “spreading democracy” or to create a sense of national pride, the main motive behind the two probably lye in economic gains. During Manifest Destiny, Americans sought

to find natural resources previously unknown and of course the pursuit of gold in California and the Black Hills. Manifest Destiny had economic implications that would make America a stronger industrial force. When gold was discovered in California thousands rushed to the area to find gold, and during imperialism, America rushed to other countries to find their natural resources. In Cuba for example, the vast sugar cane plantations could be used by America for their own profit. In the Pacific, these islands, such as the Philippines, opened up Asian trade, a vast area that America could now sell and buy products from without much of a hassle, being that the islands were so close to the continent. Both Manifest Destiny and imperialism broadened