Idealism and self-interest were the two largest factors in American foreign policy decision making; however self-interest was a larger factor than idealism. American business interests in Latin America, Caribbean islands, and pacific islands played a large part in policy making decisions in the United States. Social Darwinism was a large influence on American foreign policy decisions and a driving force for the United States to become an imperialist power. As the United States moved away from the turn of the century and towards the 1920s idealism became a much more powerful factor in American foreign policy decisions especially under President Woodrow Wilson. Therefore, American self-interests such as business opportunities and Social
