Why did US policymakers feel the need to secure new markets abroad in the late 1800s?
Factories were producing more than Americans could buy.
In the late 1800s, US policymakers felt the need to secure new markets abroad for several reasons. One of the primary reasons was the concept of manifest destiny, which was the belief that it was the destiny of the United States to expand and spread its influence across the continent. With the American frontier closing, policymakers looked for new areas to expand their economic and political power.
Another reason was economic. The United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and an increase in production capacity, which created a surplus of goods. To sustain economic growth, policymakers sought new markets to sell these goods and prevent overproduction that could lead to economic downturns.
Additionally, geopolitical and strategic considerations played their part. European powers, such as Britain, France, and Germany, were already involved in imperialism and establishing colonies around the world. To prevent falling behind these powers, US policymakers felt the need to secure their own territories and establish economic and military bases in strategic regions.
To answer the question of why US policymakers felt the need to secure new markets abroad in the late 1800s, we can look at these factors: the concept of manifest destiny, the need for new markets for American goods, and geopolitical and strategic considerations.