Lastly, like with business and social reform, foreign affairs were led by Progressive intentions to improve society. Imperialism was led both by the desire to improve the US as well as the desire to help fledgling countries like Cuba. Books like “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History” by Alfred Mahan supported imperialism. The book said that naval power allowed economic prosperity because it allowed the safe passage of trade ships. Thus, with the intent of improving its economy, the US took control of countries like the Phillipines and Cuba, and this economic boost would likely improve the lives of American citizens. Furthermore, the US used imperialism to help other countries. After the War of 1898, Wilson used the Platt Amendment to solidify
