Imperialism

First off, I would like to apologize for the lack of new posts.

With the acquisition of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico from Spain in the Spanish-American war, the concept of Imperialism truly sank into place. Imperialism, or the taking of other lands for economic or military purposes, was heavily debated in the U.S. at the time.

"It is unconstitutional" some said. Others, and most, believed according to Social Darwinism. The United States continued to increase power in the Pacific. In China, European powers had "spheres of influence", or specially controlled trading areas. As this limited American power and ability to trade, John Hay, Secretary of State, proposed the Open Door Policy.

In 1900, the Fists of Righteous Harmony, or the Boxers, rebelled against the European powers controlling China. Troops arrived from countries around the world to stop the rebellion. John Hay encouraged countries not to take more territory in China, but the Chinese were forced to repay for damages done in the rebellion.

America was gaining power in Asia and the Pacific, and with that, growing respect from the European nations.