Final answer:
America's shift towards imperialism and expansion in the late 19th and early 20th century was driven by watching European empires, internal economic and demographic changes, and a desire to spread 'freedom' and American influence. Industrialization, urbanization, and immigration contributed to a dynamic power keen on establishing a global presence. Opportunities boosted by economic growth led to increased freedom and national strength.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shift in America's policy towards expansion and imperialism in the late 1800s and early 20th century was influenced by multiple factors. This change occurred as America witnessed the European empires' territorial conquests and felt the pressure to expand politically, economically, and militarily. Combined with the internal transformations such as industrialization, the migration from rural areas to urban centers, the rise in immigration, and the belief in spreading 'freedom,' the United States began to look beyond its borders. The nation sought to emulate and compete with European powers, which resulted in the pursuit of overseas colonies and the development of a more aggressive foreign policy.
Economic growth and nationalistic sentiments further fueled America's change in direction. The nineteenth century's rapid industrial expansion, the urge for new markets and raw materials, and the desire for strategic trade ports drove the country to establish its presence internationally. The population increase, decline in soil fertility in the east, and the political desire to counterbalance the industrial north all attributed to the westward expansion. American industries flourished, railroads spread across the nation, and the discovery of mineral wealth bolstered economic motivations for expansion.
Opportunities, in this context, created freedom by providing Americans with the potential for economic prosperity and social mobility. Women entering the workforce, for instance, found new liberties in their increased financial independence. Additionally, the influx of immigrants seeking employment and a new start contributed to a diverse and robust workforce that propelled further growth and expansion of the United States as an emerging world power.