Imperial_Power_in_the_1890s

In the late 1890’s the U.S. had a change in presidency, but that was not the only thing that had changed. The United States had changed Presidents from Grover Cleveland, who did not want to be involved in foreign policy, to William McKinley, who was very aggressive oversees. That aggressiveness lead to economic growth and America become a world leader. The new America wanting to control new countries, become a major player in oversees market, and the Spanish American war lead to America becoming an imperial power, all thanks to the new president. Taking possession of countries was something that had to be done for the United States to become a world leader. But, William McKinley thought this was necessary, and he was correct. This act took much courage because he pursued countries in a time when America was used to not being active in controlling land. The popular president Grover Cleveland did not believe in being active in controlling new land. In the time period of President McKinley we had gained control of Cuba, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. We had gained this land in a small war with Spain. Also, in this time period the United States had armed interventions in China, Mexico, Haiti, and Nicaragua. Going to war with a country expresses even more the desire of the new president and the whole country to become a world power. As a result of all this expansion the United States had a voice oversees markets. The emergence of The States as a big player in Asia and Latin America was related to the remarkable growth of the American economy. Because of America becoming involved throughout the world businesses were changing from family owned and operated stores to a system of large corporations. The dynamic energy by the United States in foreign policy caused Americans lives to change for the better. But, this does not mean America did not follow the business cycle. After all this time of prosperity the United States did have small recessions. Meanwhile, the American government kept trying to keep the economy booming and keep stability oversees. The efforts of the leaders were extremely important because of the crucial year of 1898, which would effect American foreign policy. The year of the Spanish American War is considered a transversal in the history of America. 1898, the year of the Spanish American War, marks a time when America decides to translate the industrial power it has into military power and truly become an imperial leader. This was a conflict that ended in victory for the United States and ended the Spanish empire, in the Pacific and Caribbean. After 113 days of fighting Spain gave the United States Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines, and Cuba. The victory symbolized the United States emerging as a power on the world stage, along with Britain and France. The war also marked American entry into world affairs. From then until now the United States has had a large hand in various conflicts. Due to all this, the United States of America could happily say that they are a world leader. If America did not become involved in foreign affairs who knows where we would be at. Would we be still a small country fighting for recognition, while Britain, Spain, and France controlled the world' So it was very crucial that America became a major part of the world. America trying to control countries, becoming a major player in the world market, and fighting the Spanish American war all lead up to America becoming the imperial power that it became. As demonstrated, a lot of credit can be attributed to the new president, William McKinley, because he understood what becoming an imperial power meant along with how to become an imperial power in the world.