American imperialism

American imperialism is the exercise of power by the United States outside its borders. The US expanded its territory initially via conquest and colonialism, later shifting to controlling/influencing other countries without conquest, using techniques such as alliances; aid; gunboat diplomacy; treaties; trade; support for preferred political factions; regime change; economic influence via private companies; and cultural influence. American expansion ended in the late 19th century, with the exception of some Caribbean and Western Pacific islands. While the US does not typically identify itself and its territorial possessions as an empire, commentators such as Max Boot, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., and Niall Ferguson have done so.

US foreign interventions have been debated throughout US history. Opponents claimed that such actions were inconsistent with US beginnings as a colony that rebelled against an overseas king, as well as with American values of democracy, freedom, and independence. Conversely, American presidents who intervened militarily—most notably William McKinley, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft—cited American economic interests, such as trade and debt management; preventing European intervention (colonial or otherwise) in the Western Hemisphere, (under the 1823 Monroe Doctrine); and the benefits of keeping "good order". Donald Trump has revived these tactics in his second term.