why did united states policy makers feel the need to secure new markets abroad in the late 1800s?
what risks did the united states take in attepting to find new foreign markets?
why did the american public favor war with spain
what impact did teddy roosevelt have on the office of the presidency
After you post your answers, we'll be glad to critique them.
To understand why US policy makers felt the need to secure new markets abroad in the late 1800s, you need to consider the economic and political context of that time.
1. Economic Expansion: The United States was going through a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth, and there was an increased demand for raw materials and new markets to sell American goods. By acquiring new markets abroad, policy makers hoped to open up opportunities for American businesses to expand and increase exports.
2. Protectionism: Many policy makers believed in protectionist policies, which involved imposing high tariffs on imported goods. However, this approach faced limitations, as foreign markets could also raise tariffs on American exports, hindering trade. By securing new foreign markets, the US would have preferential access to these markets and could sell its products more easily.
3. Competition with European Powers: European countries, such as Great Britain and France, were expanding their imperial territories around the world. The US saw this as a threat to its global influence and wanted to ensure it had its own share of overseas territories to maintain parity with other major powers.
Now, let's move on to the risks that the United States took in attempting to find new foreign markets:
1. Conflict and War: Acquiring new markets sometimes involved competition with other nations, leading to potential conflicts and wars. For example, the Spanish-American War of 1898 was partially driven by the US's desire to secure new markets, such as Cuba and the Philippines. Such military interventions carry risks of casualties, damage to national reputation, and increased expenses.
2. Resistance and Hostility: In some cases, local populations in the targeted regions resisted American efforts to establish control. This resistance could take the form of rebellions, insurgency, or even acts of terrorism. The US had to be prepared to deal with potential conflicts and opposition from local populations.
Moving on to why the American public favored war with Spain:
1. Sensational Journalism: The US newspapers at the time, particularly those owned by publishers like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba. This "yellow journalism" influenced public opinion by portraying the Spanish as ruthless oppressors and evoking sympathy for the Cuban revolutionaries.
2. USS Maine Incident: The mysterious explosion and sinking of the USS Maine battleship in Havana harbor further fueled American public sentiment against Spain and contributed to calls for war. Although the cause of the explosion remains uncertain, many newspapers blamed Spain, contributing to the pro-war sentiment.
Now, let's discuss the impact Teddy Roosevelt had on the office of the presidency:
1. Expanding Executive Power: Roosevelt believed in an active and strong presidency. During his time in office (1901-1909), he sought to expand executive power, both domestically and internationally, asserting the authority of the president in policy-making decisions. He used executive orders extensively and advocated for proactive leadership.
2. Trust-Busting: Roosevelt is known for his efforts to regulate big business and break up monopolies through trust-busting. He believed that government should protect the interests of the people and ensure fair competition in the economy. His actions set a precedent for future presidents to take a more interventionist approach in economic matters.
3. Conservation and Environmentalism: Roosevelt was a strong advocate for the conservation of natural resources and the creation of national parks and monuments. He established the United States Forest Service and championed policies to protect public lands. His actions paved the way for future environmental legislation and the development of the modern environmental movement.
In summary, US policy makers sought new markets abroad in the late 1800s to fuel economic expansion, counter European dominance, and protect American interests. This pursuit carried risks such as conflicts and resistance. The American public favored war with Spain due to sensational journalism and the USS Maine incident. Teddy Roosevelt had a significant impact on the presidency, expanding executive power, advocating for trust-busting, and promoting conservation and environmentalism.