Final answer:
The United States pursued new imperialist motives in Southeast Asia including political power, cultural influence, and especially economic dominance. The U.S. expanded its economic power through actions like the annexation of territories and influencing Chinese policy against partitioning, aligning with ideals of an 'empire of liberty'. Still, such expansion was not without its challenges and moral contradictions, as seen in the Philippine Insurrection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Imperialist Motives and U.S. Actions in Southeast Asia
The new imperialist motives of the 19th century included political, cultural, and economic factors. Politically, nations sought to expand their power and prestige, culturally, there was a desire to spread Western civilization, and economically, the goal was to control resources and markets. The United States pursued these motives in Southeast Asia through actions like asserting influence in China and acquiring territories such as the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii. The U.S. envisioned an "empire of liberty" that could potentially spread freedom and self-government to other regions.
The economic aspect of imperialism played a significant role, especially as the U.S. emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, outpacing European exports. This led the U.S. to engage in economic imperialism in East Asia, particularly in China. Rather than outright colonization, the U.S. sought to expand its economic power by establishing American policy to prevent the foreign partitioning of China and promote American business interest.
Furthermore, the late 19th-century vision of American power overseas was associated with prestige, prosperity, and progress. The acquisition of empire, as seen by figures like Teddy Roosevelt, was justified as a means of spreading democracy and benevolence. However, it also came with reminders of the costs of empire, such as the Philippine Insurrection, exposing the challenges and moral contradictions inherent in imperial expansion.