America's motivation

Definition

America's motivation refers to the various reasons and aspirations that drove the United States to engage in significant actions, policies, and conflicts throughout its history. These motivations often stemmed from a combination of economic interests, the pursuit of freedom and democracy, expansionist desires, and a sense of national identity, which played a crucial role in shaping both domestic and foreign policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Economic interests often motivated America to pursue expansion and involvement in international markets, particularly during the 19th century.
2. The desire for territorial expansion led to conflicts such as the Mexican-American War, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny.
3. Throughout its history, America's motivation has included a commitment to promoting democracy and human rights globally, influencing its foreign interventions.
4. Cultural factors, including religious beliefs and notions of superiority, also played a role in shaping America's motivations for expansion and involvement in foreign affairs.
5. The complex interplay of motivations has resulted in a mixture of isolationist tendencies at times, alongside periods of active international engagement.

Review Questions

• How did economic interests shape America's motivation for territorial expansion in the 19th century?
  • Economic interests were central to America's motivation for territorial expansion during the 19th century. The desire for new markets for goods and access to resources drove the U.S. to seek out new territories, as seen in the Louisiana Purchase and the annexation of Texas. The pursuit of wealth was further reinforced by beliefs like Manifest Destiny, which justified expansion as not only beneficial but also divinely ordained.
• Evaluate how the concept of American Exceptionalism influenced U.S. foreign policy decisions in the early 20th century.
  • American Exceptionalism significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy in the early 20th century by instilling a belief that America had a unique role to play on the global stage. This mindset led to interventions such as the Spanish-American War, where the U.S. positioned itself as a liberator of oppressed peoples. The belief that America was destined to promote democracy and freedom shaped its actions internationally and justified its expansionist endeavors.
• Analyze how America's motivations have evolved over time and what implications this has had on its global standing.
  • America's motivations have shifted from early expansionist ideals rooted in Manifest Destiny to contemporary interests that include global stability and promoting democracy. This evolution reflects changing domestic values, economic conditions, and international pressures. As America transitioned into a global superpower after World War II, its motivations included not just territorial gains but also strategic alliances and leadership roles in international organizations, thereby impacting its global standing as both a power broker and a promoter of democratic values.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that justified American territorial expansion across the North American continent as a divine right.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs and conflicts.

American Exceptionalism:

The belief that the United States is inherently different from other nations, often tied to its unique history, democratic values, and commitment to liberty.