By the start of World War I, America had emerged as a global power. A large part of this power had to do with?

Question

By the start of World War I, America had emerged as a global power. A large part of this power had to do with American expansion overseas. What territories did America acquire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries? What competing arguments exist regarding this period of territorial expansion? With which interpretation do you agree, and why?

Answer 1

The territories include, notably, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, the Panama Canal Zone and some small stuff. The interpretations hinge on whether you think yes the reasons for American imperialism were primarily economic or not. I say "not" because a) most American business did not need foreign sources of supply or markets, b) those which did did not require American political sovereignty in the areas where the supply or markets were and c) in general, business people opposed US imperialism as can be shown at the time of the Spanish-American war.

Answer 2

As your first answerer stated quite well America was not much of a world player even leading into WW II. After WW I the mood of the country was isolationism. And that continued right up until Pearl Harbor. America did acquire some small territories or at least gained some power over them during that time period you mentioned, but even then the country had an isolationist stance.

Answer 3

North America supplied Europe (Great Britain, France) - so Germany wanted to cut of those supplies so that the Allies would be weaker. Some of USA ships were sunk from german U-boats so this was a pretty good reason for USA to enter the war. If I had more time I would write some more arguments and thoughts about the World War I, I really must go now so if you had any more questions pleas contact me!

Answer 4

America gained many overseas possessions such as Hawaii, Philippines, Alaska, Samoa and others. America turned to expansion due to the public opinion that wanted to increase economic profits. Alaska was for natural resources (although most people didnt know at the time), Hawaii for sugar cane etc etc.

Answer 5

The Marines captured Guantanamo Bay, and have held it ever since. The attack on Cuba was hastily prepared and ill conceived. Our military wasn't big enough and not well trained.

Answer 6

america wasn't a global power at the start of WWI

Answer 7

See : "American Empire" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Empire