Question

What is true about American Imperialism?

A. It was driven completely by economic reasons to gain more materials
B. Nationalism motivated many to spread American ideals and beliefs
C. Increasing territories under our control would increase American security
D. Respecting the cultures of indigenous people was a priority for policy makers

Answer 1

American Imperialism was motivated by economic reasons as well as nationalism. While economic factors played a significant role in gaining resources and expanding markets, nationalism also motivated Americans to spread their ideals and beliefs. Respecting the cultures of indigenous people was not a priority for policy makers.

Step-by-step explanation:

American Imperialism was motivated by both economic reasons and nationalism. While economic reasons, such as gaining access to raw materials and expanding markets, played a significant role (option A), nationalism also played a part in spreading American ideals and beliefs (option B). American Imperialism was driven by a belief in 'American exceptionalism,' the idea that the United States had a mission to spread liberty and democracy across the world. However, it's important to note that respecting the cultures of indigenous people was not a priority for policy makers (option D).

Sources:

1. As progressives worked for domestic reform in political, economic, and social matters, others focused on and pushed for U.S. expansion overseas.
2. The primary motivation of the imperial powers in acquiring colonies was economic, and in the name of profit they frequently brutalized and exploited native populations.
3. Improved forms of transportation, communication, weaponry, and medicine made this control possible. As the industrialized nations came to dominate states in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, taking natural resources and money from them.
4. The late nineteenth century found the United States jealously watching the great empires of Europe carve out large territories of control and influence in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, and the siren call of empire became irresistible.
5. While much of the basis for westward expansion was economic, there was also a more philosophical reason, which was bound up in the American belief that the country and the Indigenous peoples who populated it were destined to come under the civilizing rule of Euro-American settlers and their superior technology.