...and Asia which at that time was becoming increasingly important to American economy in the late 19th century. Another argument expansionist used was to prevent other countries and colonies from gaining more land and they also felt the need to rival with the other imperialist countries. They had a desire to compete with Europe for overseas empires. The U.S. sought for international statues like the Great European Powers (Europe had taken 20 percent of the land and 10 percent of the population in the world). North America was up and rising; it had so much potential with a lot of land, opportunities, and resources surrounding it which was led by great leaders who made U.S. the way it is today. 2) I say it- First reason on America’s expansionism, which I...
Words: 1287 - Pages: 6
...In the 1830s through the 1850s, American expansionism impacted the West and created sectional issues that would lead to dissolution of the Union. In document A John L. O’ Sullivan gives a good statement on the view of our country. He helps give important claims about America compared to other unions. In document A it states “we point to the everlasting truth on the first page of out national declaration and we proclaim to the millions of other lands, that” the gates of Hell”— the powers of aristocracy and monarch— “shall not prevail against it”. This quote is stating how the United States are going to be not like the other lands and not going to have powers of monarchy prevent them. In document B it shows how the United States territory changed...
Words: 479 - Pages: 2
...The War Of 1812 June 18, 1812 was the day when the United States and the British Empire went into war for three full years. This was known as the War of 1812 and the first war that the United States has declared. One of the most essential reason why the United States declared war on the British Empire was because Great Britain had cut off the flow of American supplies to France. This was considered illegal by international law. Britain did this because they believed the supplies would be harmful to them as they fought France. Another reason is the American Theory on Expansionism. The American troops on the northwestern frontier were halted by the Native Americans from moving any further, the reason was. Great Britain had a strong influence...
Words: 251 - Pages: 2
...American Expansionism and Imperialism in the Late Nineteenth Century The end of the nineteenth century was a tremulous time for America. We had millions of immigrants pouring into our country from around the world. We had enough problems at home and the last thing our leaders wanted was to be drawn into war outside of the continental United States. We were founded on the idea of freedom and we were destined to protect individual rights to freedom, even if it took us beyond our borders. In the late 19th century the United States found its self, producing more agricultural and industrial products than it could consume. Business leaders and politicians began to look abroad to help boost our economic standing in the world. One percent of the population owned 99% of the wealth in America. As a nation we had to evolve (Woog 10). The work force in America began to unite. There were uprisings of people forming unions in order to change the work place practices. At first the corporations simply fired the disgruntled employees and hire others in their place. Working conditions were often deplorable “Because of this, the accident rate was higher in U.S. factories, mines and railroads than in any other industrial nation. According to a survey from 1907, half a million Americans annually were killed, crippled or seriously injured while on the job” (Woog 49). Eventually the government stepped in to regulate businesses. Teddy Roosevelt once intervened between...
Words: 1628 - Pages: 7
...those countries whose economy were in ruins. Moreover by doing this, the American economy also benefitted as countries who accepted the financial aid would have to open up there economy to American capitalist interests. On the other hand the Soviets were looking to expand Soviet territory and create a sphere of influence, whether this was to create a buffer zone for the USSR or to spread communism, it developed the Cold War as America felt threatened. Many historians have differing views on the matter which is evident in sources 7, 8 and 9, all of which feature modern historians posing some very different arguments. Some historians, as stated in the question believe that the expansion of the Cold War within 1945-48 was due to Soviet Expansionism whereas others believed it was because of USA’s economic interests. Either way, it seems most likely that both were attributed to each other however it was the USA’s economic interests what was the most key factor as the policies introduced directly opposed communism therefore causing conflict. Nonetheless, Soviet Expansion also played a decisive factor in the development of the Cold War from 1945-1948. Source 7 from Robert Wolfson’s Years of change: European History 1890-1997 highlights much...
Words: 1608 - Pages: 7
...How far do you agree with the view that the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-48 owed more to Soviet expansionism than to the USA’s economic interests? It is evident that, as Source 7 argues, the development if the Cold War in the years 1945-48 owed more to Soviet expansionism. However, it was not the main factor. The USA’s desire to boost their economy and influence in Eastern Europe, discussed in Source 8, and the need to secure the USSR’s boarders, the focus of Source 9, also l,aged s key role in the development of the Cold War. Perhaps one can argue that all three aims of both superpowers acted as catalysts and contributed to the development of the Cold War. In essence, Source 7 argues that the USSR had an “ambitious aim” of insuring Communist control in its sphere of influence. This is true in the sense that Stalin aimed to take advantage of the military situation in Europe and strengthen Soviet influence which resulted in occupying as much of Eastern Europe as possible. Following the Yalta and Potsdam conferences of 1945, Pro-Communist governments were set up in Poland, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. As well as this, the Soviet Union allowed Communist politicians to hold key positions in Coalition governments before elections were held meaning that elections could be manipulated to ensure communists controlled the levers of power. As a result of such measures, by the end of 1947 every state in Eastern Europe, except from Czechoslovakia, was controlled...
Words: 1130 - Pages: 5
...How far do you agree with the view that the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-8 owed more to Soviet expansionism than to USA’s economic interests? My opinion is that the development of the Cold War was due to Soviet expansionism rather than the USA’s economic interests in the years 1945-48. The Sources all present to some extent the idea that Soviet expansionism was to blame. Source 7 argues Soviet expansionism as the most important factor as it claims that the USSR were ‘seeking to expand its influence into Western Europe’ and so causing Western Attitudes to increasingly worsen. However there is still evidence in the sources to support the view that the USA’s economic interests owed more to the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-48. For example in source 8 it suggests that the USA wanted a war with the USSR to help its economy, emphasising the impact of Truman’s ‘military industrial complex’ on aggressive foreign policy which played a huge role in the development of the Cold War. Furthermore it can be argued that it was the misunderstanding and confusion, caused by fear and suspicion, between the two nations which owed more to the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-8. Soviet Expansionism played a huge role in the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-8. Evidence to support this view is found in source 7 which claims that although in 1945 the West had accepted the Soviet’s influence in Eastern Europe; the West became suspicious of...
Words: 1013 - Pages: 5
...There are many different reasons for the development of the Cold War’s in 1945 – 48. This period could be argued as being the transitional period from the USSR and USA being allied powers creating a peaceful post-war Europe to two powers fighting for control over post-war Europe. The development throughout these years, on the one hand, could be seen as being a result of Soviet expansionism, as suggested clearly in sources 7 and 9. On the other hand, in line with evidence from sources 8 and 9, USA’s economic interests could have been seen as having the most impact on the development of the Cold War. A further argument could be to suggest that it was in fact due to ideological differences, which is backed by evidence from all three sources. Overall, the development of the Cold War from 1945 – 48 owed more to the USA’s economic interests than any other factor. There is evidence in all three sources of ideology coming in to play during the development of the Cold War. “Russia wanted friendly governments on its western borders” is a clear statement that Soviet ideology of creating “buffer” states to protect them from “future attacks from the west” had a part to play in the development of the Cold War. Source 8 supports this by contributing the capitalist ideology of the US which was to use Marshall Aid (1948) to “bring economic recovery to western Europe”. The relevance of this to development of the Cold War is clarified in source 9, which explains that Stalin did not accept Marshall...
Words: 1106 - Pages: 5
...to Soviet expansionism than to Usa’s economic interests? I do agree with the view that the development of the Cold War owed more to soviet expansionism than USA’s economic interests in the years 1945-48. All three of the sources show evidence that soviet expansionism played a huge role in the development of the Cold War. Source 7 especially emphasises Soviet expansionism as the most important factor claiming the USSR were “seeking to expand its influence into Western Europe” causing Western Attitudes to harden. However there is evidence in the sources to support the view that the USA’s economic interests owed more to the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-48. Such as in source 8 which claims the USA wanted a war with the USSR to help its economy, emphasising the impact of the Military Industrial Complex on aggressive foreign policy which played a huge role in the development of the Cold War. Furthermore it can be argued that it was the misunderstanding and confusion between the two nations which owed more to the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-8. Soviet Expansionism played a huge role in the development of the Cold War in the years 1945-8. Evidence to support this view is found in source 7 which claims that although in 1945 the West accepted the Soviet’s influence in Eastern Europe, the West became suspicious of the USSR’s intentions, fearing the soviets wished to “expand into Western Europe itself”. An example of Soviet expansionism within this...
Words: 953 - Pages: 4
...and the era of imperialism began with the reinforcement of expansionism. The early twentieth-century US exansionism is a continuation of late nineteenth-century expansionism in some aspects. With exploring the newfound land of America, the concept of "Manifest Destiny" emerged. "Manifest Destiny," is the belief that Americans are given the right to all of the land between the eastern and western seaboards. In 1983, one of the earliest cases of imperialism started with the expanding of the colonies past the Appalachian Mountains, to current day Mississippi. With the Louisiana Purchase, and the joint occupaiton of Oregon, respectively in 1803, and 1818, America's newfound imperialism continued. This expansion did not stop until they controlled the entire current day continental United States. After the expansion inside the nation, its expansionism did not stop there; the US then set its newly superior sights on the foreign countries, such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and Hawaii. By the time, America was full of pride, thought America itself knew what is best for the rest of the world. From the English poet Rudyard Kipling's pem, imperialists within the United States understood the phrase "white man's burden" as a characterization for imperialism that justified the policy as a noble enterprise. Both of expansionism and imperialism before and after 20th Century eventually caused conflicts. During expansionism, as they desired more free slave states, a series of violent...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...In order to best answer the question posed one must break expansionism into two separate time periods. Both of these time periods show comparisons and contrasts with US expansionism. From 1776-1880 and the late 1800s-1914 are chronicled by major events in United States and World history. Using these documents as well as commonly known events that occurred during these time periods I will show the similarities and differences that late nineteenth century and early twentieth century United States expansionism exhibit from past United States expansionism. United States expansionism has undergone many changes throughout the years. We have expanded for land, for God, and for the economy. As the people of the United States progressed both socially and economically, the methods of expansionism evolved from non-interference to democratic control, all the while struggling to stay true to the ideals of the forefathers. The departures have grown on a parallel with US power. The growth of the navy gained bargaining power for the US. With our big stick we had the means to venture into non contiguous lands, such as the Philippines and even China. We began expanding to find markets for our ever-growing production. Once we had conquered the continental United States we saw that we had the ambition to take on the world, as well as a faith in God that expanded Manifest Destiny across bodies of water into previously unobtainable lands. Document C underlines the importance of naval power...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
...Undeniably, all of these unpopular policies just reinforced the already popular push towards Jacksonian democracy in the south. It was a party that appealed to the needs of the common man and emphasized the need to abolish the elite and their will out of government. Its roots can be traced back to republicanism as it seeked to promote the public's participation in politics and also supported the idea of expansionism through manifest destiny. Jacksonians preferred a laissez faire approach to the economy and a strict interpretation of the constitution. They also displayed a lack of trust for national banking with Jackson accusing them of being instituted to cheat the common people. He spoke out against nullification and successfully stopped the...
Words: 570 - Pages: 3
...1945. It states that the US "misread" the Soviet security policy in eastern Europe and saw it as "Soviet expansionism". This, in turn, led the Soviets to misjudge the US policies as "aggressive capitalist expansionism". During the years after WW2, Stalin enforced policies to ensure national security, by establishing a 'buffer' zone. As the USSR had already been invaded twice before through these countries, it can be said that Stalin was only trying to ensure national security. However, US misread the situation as Soviet "expansionism", which in turn led the Soviets to misjudge the US policies as "dollar imperialism", showing that these misjudgments were creating a vicious cycle which could not be broken. Source 8 also supports this view as it suggests that the road to Cold War was "strewn with miscalculations". However, in face value, Source 8 blames the Soviet Union for being responsible. It states that Stalin "overreacted" to any threat in Germany and Eastern Europe and goes on to add that he "triggered" the Berlin Blockade Crisis as well. The Source only describes Stalin's reactions to the situation, thus failing blaming the USSR and failing to bring the US side to the story. It states that "in response to Marshall Plan", Stalin began to consolidate power in 'Satellite States'. However, the US had as well misread the Soviet consolidation of security as "expansionism" creating suspicion and mistrust between the two countries. In addition to this, Source 8 also states that...
Words: 609 - Pages: 3
...access with France and, France restricted trade access with Britain. Britain came to tae this too far and kidnaped sailors and forced them to fight in the war against France. America and the United Kingdom fought in the War of 1812. This war took place in America. Some battles included The Battle of Tippecanoe 1811, President vs. Belvidere. The Battles for Michilimackinac Island & Fort Dearborn, Raid on Gananoque, The Battle of Brownstown, The Battle of Maguaga, The Battle of Detroit, Constitution vs. Guerriere, etc. In the War of 1812, Britain was expected to win because they had a more experienced military. Three reasons why the Americans declared war on Britain were because Britain violated America’s freedom of the seas, war hawks, and expansionism. To begin with, the War of 1812 resulted due to the cause of Britain violation of America’s freedom of the seas. After George Washington announced the Proclamation of Neutrality, Britain prevented any sort of trade with France. Later, Britain started to take this action too far, and they enslaved innocent sailors and forced them to fight in the war against France. According to Document One, “‘Great Britain … enslaves our seamen, and in spite of our complaints and protests, perseveres on these aggressions” (Document One). In other words, Britain subjugated American sailors because America didn’t take a side of the war against Britain and France. The Document suggests that even though America complained and protested about the oppression...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...In his paper “Benito Cereno” and Manifest Destiny, Allan Moore Emery offers a well-structured and informative presentation of the development of American expansionism, placing Melville’s novella in contemporary political and historical context. More specifically, the paper deals with the concept of Manifest Destiny developed in Benito Cereno, which Emery defines as “the mind-set of those many Americans who fancied themselves citizens of an elect nation, destined by Providence to govern the globe” (49). In his argument, Emery employs an interesting analogy: San Dominick is a symbol of the Spanish empire. Its “disorderliness” stands for the “anarchy” found by American expansionists in Latin America, while this confusion is attributed to Cereno’s incapability as leader and his weak style of command. Delano’s plot to take control of Cereno’s vessel anticipates American interventionism in the Caribbean, it is argued. However, Manifest Destiny is portrayed in an adverse fashion, considering the fact that the invasion of San Dominick is not motivated by the desire to change the condition of the oppressed, but by mere desire for material gain. The term exceptionalism is not explicitly mentioned, but Emery is clearly hinting at it being the justification for territorial expansion. Manifest Destiny is, as claimed by Emery, a mere rhetorical camouflage for a largely political enterprise (54). Another interesting political instance, according to the author, is when Delano attempts to buy...
Words: 904 - Pages: 4