Final answer:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American foreign policy was influenced by economic expansion, military interests, and political competition, with economic motives being the most significant. The era saw a shift from isolationism to imperialism, culminating in America's emergence as a global power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Influencing American Foreign Policy in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Several key factors influenced American foreign policy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The turn of the century was marked by a shift from isolationism to a more imperialist approach, motivated by economic expansion, military interests, and political competition. Economic growth fostered a need for new markets, leading to the pursuit of territories overseas. Military strategy also played a role, as a stronger navy required coaling stations and strategic bases, exemplified by the Great White Fleet. Politically, the U.S. was driven to match European powers' colonial empires and assert its influence globally.
These factors relate to each other synergistically as the economic needs drove military expansion and vice versa, all within the context of political ambitions. The Age of Imperialism was spurred by the Spanish American War in the late 1890s, marking a major turning point as the United States acquired territories like the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. This period laid the groundwork for America's later emergence as a world power before World War II, driven by ideologies like the Monroe Doctrine and “Dollar Diplomacy” which justified interventions in Latin America and Asia for economic interests.
The most significant factor among these was the economic motive, as it underpinned the others, providing the means for military expansion and the drive for political influence. U.S. involvement in Asia, particularly the Open Door Policy in China, was indicative of this economic imperative, ensuring access to Chinese markets for American goods.