American Imperialism Motives

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American Imperialism
Imperialism was defined as building an empire (Bagley). According to Stearns, there were several motives behind the spread of imperialism. One motive was to establish cultural superiority, which was enforced mainly by American and Europe. Another motive was to establish a particular religion in other countries such as the spread of Christianity. A major reason behind imperialism was economic gains, which was evident in America (Stearns 423). American imperialism was based on expansion into the West and in Hawaii, and economic gains from trade. To defend their reasoning, documents such as Manifest Destiny and the Monroe Doctrine lead American imperialism.
During the 1800’s America was slowly expanding their territory.
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During this expansion period, Andrew Jackson was in office, and he would rather preserve the white race than the Native Americans (Roak). As a result, Jackson passed the Indian Removal Act. This act stated that the Native Americans had to relocate so that the white settlers could move into their territory. Some tribes were removed by force as well. In addition to the Indian Removal Act, Jackson also sent a military army to force certain tribes out, and the Native Americans had to endure a long journey to their new territory known as the Trail of Tears (Roak). The Native Americans were forced to accommodate the needs of the white. Throughout American history, white supremacy was always dominant which made the “weaker race disappear before the stronger through the effects of mere contact” (Kidd, Social Progress). Throughout Kidd’s document, he described how certain races were affected by imperialism, and how the superior race dominated.
In conclusion, American imperialism exercised through expansion of territory and economic gains. Both were also the driving force behind imperialism as well. However, the process affected minorities such as the Native Americans. As a result, American wanted to be a powerful nation along with Great Britain. So there was constantly a battle between both nations to see who will become more

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