Question

the united states developed into an economic and political world power in the early twentieth century through which events?
a territorial trade and the social gospel movement
b muckraking journalism and political reform
c overseas imperialism and participation in wwi
d overthrowing russia and the communist revolution

Explanation:

• Territorial trade and the Social Gospel Movement (A): The Social Gospel Movement was more about moral and social reform within the US, not directly tied to the US becoming a world - power in terms of economic and political might. Territorial trade alone is not the main factor for its rise as a world power.
• Muckraking journalism and political reform (B): Muckraking journalism exposed social ills, and political reforms like those during the Progressive Era were important for domestic improvement. But they were more about internal governance rather than making the US a global economic and political power.
• Overseas imperialism and participation in WWI (C):
• Overseas imperialism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the US engaged in overseas imperialism. For example, the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines through the Spanish - American War (1898) expanded its economic influence (access to new markets and resources) and its geopolitical reach.
• Participation in WWI: By participating in World War I (1917 - 1918), the US emerged as a major creditor nation. It supplied goods and loans to the Allied powers. After the war, it had a stronger say in international affairs, as seen in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations (even though it did not ratify the treaty in the end, its economic and military presence was felt). It also started to play a more prominent role in shaping the post - war world order in terms of economic (reparations discussions) and political (ideas about self - determination, although not always followed) aspects.
• Overthrowing Russia and the Communist Revolution (D): The US did not overthrow Russia. In fact, during the Russian Revolution (1917), the US was more concerned with the impact of the Bolshevik takeover on the war effort (as Russia withdrew from WWI) rather than it being a factor in the US's rise as a world power.

Answer:

C. Overseas imperialism and participation in WWI