Answer:
the United States already viewed itself as the major power of the Western Hemisphere, as evidenced by the Monroe Doctrine. The United States also grabbed land in the Pacific in order to have coaling stations for its ships on their way to the lucrative markets of Asia.
Explanation:
Military presence
Self rule
Trade
Slavery / Mulados/ Creoles/ etc
Referendum reform allowed the votes to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.