To what extent is this statement correct: The primary factor in the United States adopting a policy of imperialism was economic.

Prior to America's expansion into the rest of the world, it was quite focused on domestic issues. However, with the Civil War being long over, and postwar politics settled, America was ready for expansion into foreign soil. There were several justifications for imperialism. However, they were mainly triggered towards the economic success of the United States. Also, several events helped speed up the process of acquiring the territory. Yet, although Alfred T. Mahan, religion, and Darwinism all called for imperialism, the United States was mainly driven by possible economical gains as seen in the acquisition of Cuba, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico as well as with the Insular Cases and Platt Amendments that flaunted American power.

Hawaii had long been populated by White Americans prior to its annexation in 1898. Yet, when the McKinley Tariff was imposed, Americans were forced to pay a tax on Hawaiian sugar. Thus, harming planter profits. This tariff had the planters calling for annexation. Although, Queen Liliuokalani tried to block their ambition, she was eventually taken out of power before the United States took over completely.

Around the same time as the struggle for Hawaii, Americans claimed to be sympathizing with Cubans and their suffering in reconcentration camps. With the aid of the yellow press, America was able to furnish a war to fight for Cuban liberty. The Teller Amendment, which promised Cuba freedom upon victory over Spain, helped the American public believe the war was being fought strictly to help the poor Cubans. Yet, it is easy to see that having a foothold on our conveniently nearby neighbor Cuba would tremendously aid the American navy.

Upon the end of the Spanish-American war, the United States also gained control over the Philippines as well as Puerto Rico for a bargain of 20 million dollars. Aside from personal desires, the United States had no reason, other than economical gains for taking over this territory. The citizens of these territories saw no real benefit from the United States taking over.

The Insular Cases serve as evidence that the new American territories acquired nothing from being taken over by Americans. The Insular Cases denied these people rights that American citizens enjoyed. In other words, they established that the constitution does not follow the flag. The United States expanded in order to expand its economical power. Although they claimed to have fought the Spanish-American war in order to free the Cubans, the Platt Amendment basically made Cuba an American puppet. With this amendment, Americans had control over Cuba, and gave themselves the power to use Cuban territory for naval stations.

The dawn of imperialism was justified by religion and Darwinism. However, the continuation of it was driven by the desire for economical gains. Indeed, the United States profited from these territorial gains. Eventually, imperialism helped establish the United States as a world power.

How effective was the Populist Party?

The Industrial Era was a time for cities to shine. Due to the population boost, there were more people in the cites than in rural areas. However, urbanization came with a price: poverty, congestion, and pollution among other things. At a time when urban areas began to dominate, the Populist party rose to advocate for rural areas. Although they were eventually defeated by the Republican party and William McKinley, they left a legacy of hope. They were effective due to their fighting issues becoming a reality in the future, their unique definition of government, and their advocating for food producers.

The Populist movement seemed quite revolutionary due to some extraordinary idea. They sought to fight big businesses that controlled the marketplace. In other words, the Populist Party attached monopoly capitalism. They also publicly voiced their opinion against laissez-faire.

The Populist Party should be admired for to their strive to survive. Upon the election of 1896, they fused with the Democrats to nominate William Jennings Byran as their presidential candidate. However, this plan failed because they were defeated by the Republican candidate, William McKinley. The Populist party ceased to exist as the end of the nineteenth century was approaching.

Although the Populist party diminished, many of their ideas were shared with the Democrats and Republicans. Also, their plans were carried through early in the twentieth century. For example, the direct election of senators became a reality. Finally, the graduated income tax was also established.

Populist plans were carried through soon after their disappearance. Yet, they also lead to a new way of viewing politics. They believed the government should be redefined, not overturned. This is evident in their attempt to form a political alliance between the two racial groups: blacks and whites. They fought for the opportunities of all citizens, regardless o racial background and skin color.

The final legacy the Populist party left behind was respect for the agrarian society. At the time, yeoman farmers were losing respect and consideration due to oppression from growing urban areas as well as large agribusinesses. However, the Populist party focused on agrarian issues. They provided America with an outlet and opportunity to sympathize with the nation's food producers.

The Populist party's wide survey of ideas served to form politics. Although they were defeated by the Republicans, Populist values carried through long after the party itself ceased to exist. Rights they fought for became a reality in the twentieth century, and provided for rights regardless of skin color.