Reread the assignment sheet. Evaluate below how closely your peer's paper comes to meeting all of the requirements of the assignment? (Is the topic appropriate? Is it the required length? Are there the required sources? Etc.) On the paper, write down what you think the thesis is. The thesis should be clear and arguable and not simply a statement of fact(s). Make suggestions for improving the thesis. Does the paper make its case? Is the thesis supported with evidence and examples? Tell the writer where you would like more detail or more support. As you read through the essay, did you ever feel lost or confused? Point out these places. Evaluate the paper's sources. Are they credible scholarly sources (for example, is Wikipedia a scholarly source?) Evaluate the paper's documentation of sources. Are all sources properly documented using the Chicago Manual of Style? Whenever the writer summarizes, quotes, or paraphrases, does she/he use a corresponding note? Does the note contain the correct details? Make suggestions for improving the introduction and conclusion. The introduction (the first or first and second paragraphs) should interest the reader and set the stage for the rest of the paper. The conclusion should signal closure. What are the paper's strengths? What are its weaknesses? Make any final suggestions for improvements. Denise Mendoza 6363133 May 17, 2024 AMH 2020 RVAA Analytical Essay 1 - Draft The U.S. transition from isolationism to imperialism by the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by a complex exchange of economic interests, strategic imperatives, and ideological motivations. This approach highlights how the need for new markets and resources, strategic military concerns, and beliefs in the civilizing mission and Manifest Destiny collectively propelled America into a new era of global influence. In the late 19th century, the United States underwent a significant transformation in its foreign policy, moving from a stance of isolationism and continental expansion to active engagement in overseas imperialism. This shift was not driven by a single factor, but rather by a combination of economic, strategic, and ideological motivations. By examining these elements, this paper seeks to understand the underlying causes of America's imperialistic endeavors. Economic motivations were a critical driving force behind American imperialism. The rapid industrialization of the U.S. economy created a pressing need for new markets and sources of raw materials. The donations from overseas territories provided American businesses with the necessary resources and consumer bases to sustain economic growth. As industrial production increased, the U.S. sought to avoid the pitfalls of overproduction by securing new markets for its goods. Territories such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam opened up new avenues for American products, alleviating domestic market saturation. Overseas colonies also offered vital raw materials unavailable in the U.S. For instance, the addition of Hawaii provided access to sugar, while the Philippines offered valuable commodities such as rubber and tropical fruits, which is essential for American industries. Following the Spanish-American War, the Philippines became a vital asset for the U.S., providing a strategic location for trade with China and other Asian nations. American businesses saw the potential to export goods to these new markets, thus alleviating domestic overproduction. These territories offered new opportunities for American products, ensuring a steady flow of trade and economic growth. The establishment of American businesses in these regions further integrated these markets into the U.S. economic sphere. Colonies also provided essential raw materials that were not available in the continental U.S. The acquisition of these resources was crucial for sustaining American industrial growth and maintaining economic competitiveness. The annexation of Hawaii in 1898 was driven by the island's sugar industry. American sugar planters had established significant economic interests in Hawaii, and its annexation ensured a steady supply of sugar for the U.S. market. In addition to being a strategic trade hub, the Philippines offered raw materials such as rubber and tropical fruits. These resources were vital for American industries and contributed to the economic rationale for maintaining control over the archipelago. Strategic considerations also played a significant role in the U.S. turn towards imperialism. The desire to establish a robust international presence and secure strategic military and naval positions drove American expansionist policies. Influenced by Alfred Thayer Mahan's theories on sea power, the U.S. pursued a strategy of establishing coaling stations and naval bases worldwide. Mahan argued that national greatness was intrinsically linked to naval dominance and control over strategic maritime routes. The annexation of Hawaii provided the U.S. with a critical naval base at Pearl Harbor. This base became essential for projecting American naval power across the Pacific and securing maritime routes to Asia. The construction of the Panama Canal, completed in 1914, was a strategic priority for the U.S. It facilitated quicker naval and commercial transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly enhancing U.S. strategic and economic capabilities. The U.S. aimed to compete with European imperial powers and prevent them from monopolizing global influence. By acquiring territories, the U.S. could assert its presence in international affairs and maintain a balance of power. The war marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, resulting in the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. These acquisitions demonstrated America's commitment to countering European imperial dominance. The U.S. advocated for an Open Door Policy in China to ensure equal trading rights for all nations and prevent European powers from establishing exclusive spheres of influence. This policy reflected America's strategic interest in maintaining access to Chinese markets. Ideological motivations, particularly the civilizing mission and Manifest Destiny, provided moral justification for American imperialism. These beliefs underscored the perceived duty of the U.S. to spread its values and institutions globally. The concept of the civilizing mission was rooted in the belief that Western nations had a duty to uplift "backward" societies by spreading Christianity, education, and Western cultural values. This ideology was prevalent among American policymakers and intellectuals and served as a moral rationale for imperialism. President William McKinley justified the annexation of the Philippines by claiming that it was America's duty to "civilize" and "Christianize" the Filipino people. This paternalistic approach was seen as a moral obligation to bring progress and enlightenment to the colonized regions. American missionaries and educators played significant roles in promoting Western values and institutions in the colonies. Schools, churches, and hospitals established by Americans in the Philippines and other territories were seen as instruments of civilization and progress. Originally used to justify continental expansion, the ideology of Manifest Destiny was extended to overseas territories. The belief in America's unique destiny to spread democracy and capitalism fueled imperialistic ventures and resonated with the American public. The idea of Manifest Destiny, which had previously justified the westward expansion across North America, was now applied to territories beyond the continent. This extension was seen as a continuation of America's divine mission to expand its influence and promote its values. The belief in American exceptionalism the notion that the U.S. had a unique role to play in world historydrove the imperialistic agenda. American leaders argued that their country had a responsibility to lead and transform other nations in line with democratic and capitalist ideals. The U.S. shift from isolationism to imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by a combination of economic, strategic, and ideological factors. The need for new markets and resources, strategic military interests, and the ideological imperatives of the civilizing mission and Manifest Destiny collectively propelled America into a new era of global influence. This multifaceted motivation underscores the diverse factors shaping American foreign policy during this transformative period. Understanding these motivations provides insight into the complex nature of imperialism and its lasting impact on both the U.S. and the territories it sought to control