Why did the United States become interested in central and South American countries such as Cuba and Mexico during the gilded age?was the gilded age a Period of continuity or change in American foreign policy?
During the Gilded Age, the United States became interested in Central and South American countries, such as Cuba and Mexico, for several reasons:
1. Economic Interests: The U.S. sought to expand its economic influence and access new markets in these regions. Central and South America offered abundant natural resources and lucrative trade opportunities.
2. Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny influenced American expansionism, promoting the idea that the United States should extend its influence and control over neighboring territories.
3. Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine, established in 1823, declared that any European intervention or colonization in the Americas would be seen as a threat to U.S. interests. As a result, the U.S. aimed to maintain political stability and prevent European encroachment by involving itself in the affairs of Central and South American countries.
Regarding whether the Gilded Age was a period of continuity or change in American foreign policy, it had elements of both. While there were some continuities in terms of economic expansionism and the pursuit of territorial interests, the Gilded Age also witnessed significant changes in American foreign policy.
1. Shift towards Imperialism: The United States began to assert itself as a global power, incorporating territorial acquisitions (such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico) and engaging in armed conflicts abroad (e.g., Spanish-American War).
2. Favoring Open Door Policy: The U.S. adopted the Open Door Policy, seeking equal commercial opportunities in China, which reflected a departure from traditional isolationism.
3. Interventionism: The U.S. showed an increased willingness to intervene militarily in other nations, particularly in Central and South America, for political and economic reasons.
Therefore, the Gilded Age marked a period of both continuity, with a focus on economic interests and territorial expansion, and change, with a shift towards imperialism and interventionism in American foreign policy.
During the Gilded Age, which roughly spanned from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, the United States became interested in Central and South American countries like Cuba and Mexico for several reasons:
1. Economic Interests: The United States saw these regions as potential markets for American goods and investments. There was a desire to expand trade and gain access to valuable resources such as sugar, tobacco, and minerals.
2. Manifest Destiny: The ideology of Manifest Destiny, which advocated for the expansion of the United States across the continent, played a role. Some Americans believed that it was their duty to spread American influence and values in the Western Hemisphere.
3. Strategic Considerations: The United States viewed control of certain territories like Cuba as important for its military and naval power projection. Acquiring bases and ports in these regions would allow the U.S. to have a stronger presence in the Caribbean and protect American interests.
Regarding whether the Gilded Age was a period of continuity or change in American foreign policy, it involved elements of both. While there were certain continuities in American foreign policy during this era, such as a desire for expansion and economic interests, there were also significant changes.
The Gilded Age saw the United States transition from a more isolationist policy to actively seeking to expand its influence and involvement in global affairs. Previously, the U.S. had focused primarily on internal development and westward expansion. However, during the Gilded Age, the U.S. began to adopt more interventionist policies, particularly in Central and South America.
This period witnessed the rise of the concept of "Dollar Diplomacy," where the U.S. government used economic power and investments to exert influence and secure its interests in foreign countries. There were instances of American military interventions in Latin American nations (e.g., the Spanish-American War, the Mexican Revolution), which reflected a departure from the previous policy of non-intervention.
In conclusion, while there were certain continuities in American foreign policy during the Gilded Age, it was also a period characterized by notable changes, marked by a shift towards increased involvement in Central and South American countries and a more interventionist approach.