The U.S. became involved in the Spanish-American War partly because it wanted more territories. Many Americans believed the U.S.
was fated to expand into more areas. This idea is sometimes known as A. the Monroe Doctrine.
B. Social Darwinism.
C. the Open Door Policy.
D. Manifest Destiny.
Explanation: already in the mid-19th century American policy toward their neighbours in the south seem to confirm theses of social Darwinism....that certain races and nations are condemned to extinction and decadence (ideas accepted broadly in Europe). Even some Spanish intellectuals accepted this idea, warned Spanish leaders and required modernization. In this scenario Anglo-Saxon and Germanic nation were viewed as much more progressive with great future. This is imagery standing behind Spanish-American War. As we know Spain was defeated which initiated great crisis of identity in Spain.
The idea that the U.S. was meant to expand into new territories was known as Manifest Destiny.
This was very important during Westward Expansion and at the end of the 1800s, many Americans thought the U.S. should continue to expand, even overseas.
