Chapter 18-1: Critical Thinking # 3

Manifest destiny greatly influenced American policy during the first half of the 19th century. How do you think manifest destiny set the stage for American imperialism at the end of the century?

Manifest destiny set the stage for American imperialism at the end of the 19th century because the Americans took over land that belonged to the Native Americans, leaving them with hardly anything. While gaining land, the act of imperialism was a trend for the Americans because they were able to spread their economic, political, and military control into newer territories. Becoming more world wide, the Americans would continue to be able to make a difference/improvement with their economics, politics, and their military. Having the power to claim land as their own, the Americans would continue to spread through the region. Once land was taken over and the population grew, due to manifest destiny, the Americans had a stronger want for more markets. With more markets they had a larger variety to sell goods from and to the people, as well as a larger population and area to trade goods/appliances with. The political views of America were also influenced by manifest destiny because the Americans viewed themselves as stronger, more powerful individuals, making them strive for more. Lastly, the military gained strength due to manifest destiny. Establishing a better military, America would be able to have more control and protections of things.. They could also use the seas for transportation, now having more land to have camps and more variety of protection to go to.