Question

How did some American politicians justify U.S. imperialism at the end of the 19th century?

Answer 1

Spread democracy--along with ideas of manifest destiny and "city upon a hill", the US believed they were the model for democracy.

By becoming imperial powers they could train others to be democratic. They needed military and trade ports in the Pacific--with more trade occurring with China and Japan the US needed naval ports along the way to support US shipping.

To also support the shipments, a strong navy was needed to protect the ships. Gain global power--European countries were proving to be a modern world power, a country needed to acquire colonies. US imperialism would allow the US to become a modern, industrial power.

Answer 2

Americans politicians view US imperialism during the end of the 19th century as a "responsibility" to civilize and help the distant lands.