The US was extremely involved in foreign affairs after the Spanish American War. This victory in helping liberate Cuba from Spanish control resulted in the creation of the "American empire." Thanks to this war, the US gained control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. These newly acquired territories were excellent places to send American goods, as businesses were producing more goods than ever thanks to the rapid industrialization taking place in American society.
The US continued to spread its power and influence by annexing other places, like Hawaii. Along with this, the US desired consistent trade with other countries, hence why they introduced the idea of the Open Door Policy in China.
When it came to the US, we wanted to continue our economic relations with several different countries. However, we did not want to initially get involved in overseas wars, as many Americans felt they were an expensive waste of time. This changed after events like the sinking of the Lusitania and the decoding of the Zimmerman Telegram. This resulted in the US joining World War I and helping the Allied powers achieve victory.
<em>The Zimmermann Telegram.</em>
<u>Here is why:</u>
The Zimmermann Telegram was a top secret message from Germany to Mexico which had orders that if Mexico attacked the United States, when Germany won the war, Mexico would get the land back that they previously gave the United States.
Thankfully, Great Britain decoded the telegram and told the United States, who were obviously not happy about this. A speech was given from Woodrow Wilson but the Zimmermann Telegram was not a direct cause of the United States entering World War I, but it was a part of it.
When Woodrow Wilson found out that German submarines were attacking U.S. ships, the line was finally crossed and he declared war. The attacks on United States ships and the Zimmermann Telegram both lead to the United States entering World War I.
The Aztec Empire was the last empire to rule Mexico before the Spanish came.
@jasmine610 hope that helped