Explain The Thirst For Empire At The End Of The 19th Century

Amy Summerlin

There are many reasons that can explain the United States’ thirst for empire at the end of the 19th century. In this response I want you to discuss these reasons. Be sure to include the idea of Social Darwinism.

The start of the 20th century is a time of impressive economic expansion where the United States left the days of a mostly agricultural economy for one of unparalleled gains in production, financial gains, and for some, untold amounts of wealth. “As late as 1880 agriculture still represented a larger share of Americans’ income than any other source. Ten years later its contribution was surpassed by industry, and by 1900 the total value of goods produced by factories and shops in the United States was twice that of goods produced on farms” (Unger 384). So what caused such industrial gains and drove such a thirst for empire in America during this time? Entrepreneurship, technological innovation, capital creation, government aid, and a set of specific attitudes towards work ethic and social structure are just a few important factors that led to an unprecedented gain in America’s industrial economy at the end of the 19th century.

“The extraordinary quality of

“The federal government –laissez-fair notwithstanding-also stimulated the economy by direct investment, by grants, by tariffs, and by tax policies favorable to savers and investors” (Unger 394). On the other hand, the government also helped by “refusing to impose restraints on practices business favored, even when such restraints were endorsed by many voters” (Unger 395). Another notable contribution was the friendly tax policies of this era. Although they are labeled regressive, these policies ultimately left “the rich with substantial surplus to invest in land, securities, or business enterprises” (Unger