Introduction
Considering the U.S. Economic history from the 19th century to the present time, imperialism features prominently. In order to reap economic benefits in the 19th century, the United States embraced imperialism on a serious note. In this case, the united States were relying on the overseas areas for cheap labor force as well as abundant raw natural resources, which fueled the United States’ economy. The imperialism in United States, therefore, brought more civilization, industrialization and occupation that made the United States to be a powerhouse in World’s affairs.
Body
The main reason that called for imperialism during the 19th century in the United States was the need to derive economic benefits from overseas areas. The United States therefore, employed an aggressive policy that guaranteed expansion in military, economic and political control. These were the three major objectives (Orhangazi 24).
Markets became the United States’ easiest way of becoming a powerhouse in the world affairs. Besides, America began capitalizing on such investment opportunities as the mines in Philippines and produce in Hawaii. In order to gain commercial supremacy in the Pacific, America had to construct the Nicaraguan canal. They had to achieve this by controlling Samoa and Hawaii (Orhangazi 24).
There was plenty of cheap labor from the overseas territories. Because of this, America had the opportunity of employing this cheap labor and making their goods at a lower cost. In addition, America identified the plenty of raw materials in the foreign lands. They therefore, had to tap those resources for their American manufacturing industry.
Conclusion
America had become a wealthy and big nation by this time and the challenge was that of maintaining the status. Therefore, the exotic places, excitement, and hope that followed imperialism were crucial in giving America what it was seeking-power in the world affairs. Through imperialism, therefore, America changed and became one of the world’s most industrialized nation offering lots of occupations to its citizens, from 19th century to-date (Orhangazi 24).
Work Cited:
Orhangazi Ozgur. Financialization and the Us Economy. New York: Edward Elgar Publishing,
2008. Print.
