What was the primary motivation behind American Imperialism in the late 19th century?

The primary motivation behind American Imperialism in the late 19th century was economic expansion and the desire for new markets. As the United States industrialized rapidly during this period, it produced significantly more goods than could be consumed domestically. To sustain economic growth and tackle issues like overproduction and economic recession, the U.S. sought to acquire new territories to gain access to raw materials and new markets for American goods. This was particularly evident during events such as the annexation of Hawaii and the acquisition of territories after the Spanish-American War, which allowed for increased trade opportunities and strategic economic advantages.

While military expansion and influence, political alliances, and the spread of American culture were certainly part of the broader context of U.S. actions during this time, they largely served as means to an end—facilitating economic interests was the primary driving force. For instance, military power was often exerted to protect economic interests overseas, and cultural exchanges were frequently framed around promoting American goods and ideology. Thus, economic motivations remained at the forefront of American imperialist policy during this era.