Differing ideas of national identity shaped views of United States overseas expansion in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to a great extent due to the presence of segregation amongst the African American population, acquisition of the Philippines, and encouragement of violence as a result of the Spanish-American War.

Imperialism is the policy of taking control over countries around the world for political and economic gain. Since its formation, the United States has imperialized several countries, including the Philippines, Cuba, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Imperialism was incorporated during the Spanish-American War, a four-month battle between the United States and Spain. Then, chaos induced after the explosion of the USS Maine in Cuba. Eventually, this led to US intervention in the Cuban War of Independence. At the start of the 20th century, an immense number immigrants flocked to America in hopes of achieving the American Dream so many wished to achieve. Unfortunately, with racism becoming such a prevalent issue in the nation, specifically towards African Americans, segregation and a belittling
Since the horrors of war that was witnessed, social reformer Jane Addams observed how “human instinct… gives way, and the barbaric instinct asserts itself” (Doc. 4). By appealing to supporters of social reform and isolationism, Addams is able to illustrate through her speech how detrimental of an impact war has on civilization and fights for the establishment of peace within her country. In other words, she asserts how the United States’ participation in the Spanish-American War has suffocated the fight for peace and rather stimulated more turmoil and unrest in the streets of Chicago. Therefore, the Spanish-American War shaped views of United States overseas expansion in that it resulted in even criminal-free communities to witness brutal acts of