Final answer:
Manifest Destiny set the stage for American imperialism at the end of the 19th century by advocating for the expansion of U.S. territory and principles. By the 1890s, this ideology transitioned from continental expansion to global imperialism, demonstrated by the U.S. acquiring overseas territories such as Hawaii and the Philippines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manifest Destiny and American Imperialism
Manifest Destiny played a crucial role in setting the stage for American imperialism at the end of the 19th century. The term Manifest Destiny emerged in the 1840s as a doctrine that justified the expansionary objectives of the United States. This belief held that it was the country's fate and duty to extend its boundaries and influence across North America. It was seen as inevitable, just, and divinely sanctioned, promoting the Americanization of indigenous peoples and territories.
By the end of the 19th century, the philosophies underlying Manifest Destiny had grown to encompass not only continental but also overseas expansion. The same principles that justified the annexation of western lands were applied to foreign territories, leading the U.S. to enhance its economic and political dominance through imperialism. The industrial and technological advancements, such as the telegraph and the railroad, facilitated this shift by enabling more effective control over distant areas. America's newfound military strength and industrial wealth played key roles in this transition, as did the global movement among European powers to acquire colonies for their resources.
Thus, American expansion in the 1890s can be seen as a continuation of the Manifest Destiny ethos, but on a global scale. This period marked the extension of American sovereignty beyond continental borders, including acquisitions like Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines, demonstrating a paradigm shift towards global imperialism influenced by the same expansionist spirit that guided westward growth.