Expansionism In American History

Woven throughout the complex fabric of American History is the constant thread of expansionism. From the manifest destiny craze of the early 1800s to the wave of imperialism apparent in the turn of the 19th century, expansionism has always been on the forefront of American values. Even though each era brings about an air of change, there are undoubted continuities present throughout. For example, while both periods diverged in terms of motivation, plans for acquired land and public appeal, they were very similar in that they were both strongly rooted in the rhetoric of white man’s burden, the cruel treatment of natives and both struggled with the constitutionality of
conquest.