Gulf of Mexico

AMERICAN IMPERIALISM: ECONOMIC EXPANSION OR IDEOLOGICAL CRUSADE American imperialism was the result of an idealogical crusade propelled by racial / religious similiarities with the oppressed people, intention to bring democracy to regions previously goverened by monarchy, While also being motivated by the need to expand economically in search of new markets. White Americans identified with the oppression of a people they almost considered equals, the Cubans, and their fight against the Spanish Catholic monarchy. American politicians planned to bring democracy to the Cuban people and rescue them from the cruelty of the Spanish. On an economic standpoint, bussinesmen realized the necessity for new markets to prevent the decline of the domestic economy.