Between they could adequately compete with other

Between 1820 and 1860, the map of the United States was greatlychanged by a quick expansion of territories. This incredible change fueled theSecond Industrial Revolution which spiked between 1870 and 1914. In the years after the Civil War, the United States became a strong industrialgiant. Older industries grew and many other ideas were discovered, includingpetroleum refining, steel manufacturing, and electrical power.

Railroadsexpanded quite a bit as well and this effected the country in more ways thanone.  This intensegrowth with the Industrial Revolution, within a fast growing America, led toimperialism. Imperialismis a policy where the stronger nations extend their economic, political, andmilitary control over weaker nations.  Usuallyimperialism results in the stronger nation creating a colony in the weakernation to maintain its control.  Europeancountries, by the late 19th century, had established colonies on thefollowing continents:  Africa, Asia, South and Central America.  The US alreadyhad developed a history of expansion long before it become imperialistic.  In 1803 the US purchased the LouisianaTerritory from France, doubling the size of the country.

The growth of the US continued from there. Someof the main issues that fueled the new American Imperialism were the strongwant for new markets to sell US goods. They also had the interest in military strength so that they couldadequately compete with other world powers. The US wanted their respect as well. The US also had a belief in cultural superiority.  America wanted a new frontier to settle inorder to maintain America’s identity and economic growth.  In the late 19th century, the USadvanced in technology so much that it enabled American farms and factories toproduce far more than American citizens could consume.  The US had suffered a depression in 1893 andunemployment was high.

It was quitedifficult to find work and take care of your family.