How Industrialism Caused the Age of American Empire

US Imperialism in the 1890s

Political, social, and industrial powers all converged to give rise to American imperialism in the 1890s. At the end of the 19th century, the US was enjoying the full benefits of industrialization; industrialists and financiers, along with their political representatives and cronies, began looking beyond the borders of the US to see to what extent they could obtain control over other parts of the world. Obtaining greater access to supplies and natural resources, as well as cheap labor (necessary for industrialization to continue now that slavery was abolished in the US) were a big motivation. However, progressive ideals in society were also contributing to the idea that America should have a larger role to play on the world’s stage—a dream that would begin to be realized at the end of World War I under Wilson. But in the 1890s, America was growing at an enormous rate, attracting immigrants from around the world who sought opportunities for gain. This paper discusses these factors.

One of the main causes of the rise of US imperialism at the end of the 19th century was the US’s sheer economic expansion. By the late 19th century, the U.S. had undergone rapid industrialization, and industrialists had an increased need for raw materials—as well as new markets for American goods. Overseas territories were seen as a solution to this economic need. Territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines following the Spanish-American War of 1898 are what gave the U.S. its overnight imperialistic character: suddenly the US was no longer content with governing its own affairs within its own borders. The so-called doctrine of “Manifest Destiny” was now being played out on the international stage—and this was part of the political message used to justify the raw imperialism and to gloss over the economic engines of industry that were driving it (Ninkovich).

This rise in imperialism was certainly fueled by the sense of nationalism and a belief in American exceptionalism, as well. If the doctrine of “Manifest Destiny” allowed the US government to push westward all the way to the Pacific, the idea of American exceptionalism followed on this doctrine. Politicians reflected the belief that they had a "manifest destiny" to spread its form of government and way of life around the world—but of course they were providing the window dressing for the industrialist masters they served. Thus, this idea extended beyond the continental U.S. to include overseas territories. The Spanish-American War was partly justified on the grounds of liberating Cuba from Spanish tyranny, but it also served to demonstrate American military prowess and establish the U.S. as a world power. The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 and the acquisition of other territories were seen as the fulfillment of America's destiny as a leading global power (Ninkovich).

Socially speaking, the period was influenced by Social Darwinism and other theories that justified imperial expansion as a natural and even beneficial process (Leonard). This was the belief that Anglo-Saxon White Protestants (WASPs) or American culture was superior and should be spread to the non-white parts of the world. It was also known as the "White Man's Burden," the idea that it was a burdensome duty of America to become an empire—not actually something that wealthy industrialists wanted to do. These beliefs are what provided a moral justification in support imperialistic endeavors.