The political and economic foreign policy developments of the United Essay

The political and economic foreign policy developments of the United States in the 19th century - Essay Example Domestically, the expansionist idea sought the annexation of land far beyond the US territory. This move was not only geared to acquire land for agricultural use, but also to exert political dominance. The lands acquired were given to yeoman farmers and slave plantation owners in order to further the agricultural sector. The manifest destiny was based on the notion that American settlers were destined to expand their territory over the continent; with proponents arguing that it was a divine call to expand from the sea to sea. Although there were no clearly defined principles to guide the idea, it received enormous support from the democrats who used it to justify various decisive actions. Through the notion of manifest destiny, the United States was driven by the temptation of world power and political supremacy, which sought to consolidate the position it held.3 As a result, territorial expansion into foreign areas was seen as moral obligation in an effort to spread American democra cy the world over. Initially, the quest for land collided with the Mexican authorities over Texas, California, and other western territories. As such, two wars were fought in the 19th century that were both in favour of land expansion and they include the Mexican war and the Spanish-American war. During the Mexican war, the US authorised several military operations to the test Mexican hold and control over these lands. The US prevailed in the war, which saw the annexation of Texas while California and New Mexico were ceded to the US territory.4 Historians have always regarded the conflict as the pure aggression by the United States. The Spanish-American war was viewed as the US intervention to secure Cuban independence...This paper is the best example of analysis of the real reasons behind sharp shift in political and economic foreign policy of the United States. In a bid to protect its interest, during the conflict between Britain and France, U.S. reviewed its isolationism policy t o adopt a more radical expansionist policy Domestically, the expansionist idea sought the annexation of land beyond the US territory. This move was geared to acquire land for agricultural use, and also to exert political dominance. Through the notion of manifest destiny, the U.S. was driven by the temptation of world power and political supremacy. Territorial expansion into foreign areas was seen as moral obligation in an effort to spread American democracy. Initially, the quest for land collided with the Mexico over Texas, California, and other western territories. As such, two wars were fought in the 19th century, both in favour of land expansion. The US authorised military operations to test Mexican hold over the lands. The US prevailed in the war, annexed Texas while California and New Mexico were ceded to the US territory. The Spanish-American war was viewed as the US intervention to secure Cuban independence from Spain, an example of the US actions to protect its economic interest, this follows losses incurred by shipping firms following conflict between the Spain and Cuban revolters. The US economic policy of industrial capitalism is illustrated to have well defined connections to its foreign affairs policies. This is demonstrated by US open door policy, which is based on belief that the US exports are vital to the growth of its economy. The origin of propaganda and its growing role in fueling war sentiments in Spanish-American conflict is under review.