Question

question 10 of 10

supporters of u.s. imperialism felt that it would boost u.s. military strength by:

a. increasing the number of people that would be serving in the military.
b. enabling the military to protect the nation from threats within its colonies.
c. allowing the military to establish bases throughout the world.
d. boosting the raw materials available for military weapons.

Explanation:

Analyze the core argument of military imperialism

Supporters of late 19th-century and early 20th-century expansionism, heavily influenced by naval theorists like Alfred Thayer Mahan, argued that a strong modern nation required a powerful navy and global coaling stations.

Evaluate the options against historical evidence

• Option A focuses on military manpower, which was not the primary strategic argument for acquiring overseas territories.
• Option B is circular, as colonies themselves created the need for protection rather than boosting overall global military strength.
• Option C directly aligns with the strategic goal of establishing global naval bases and coaling stations (such as in Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines) to project power and protect trade routes.
• Option D focuses on raw materials for weapons, which is primarily an economic motive rather than a direct military strength booster.

Select the correct option

Establishing strategic military bases worldwide was the primary method by which imperialism was thought to boost U.S. military strength.

Answer:

• A. increasing the number of people that would be serving in the military.
• B. enabling the military to protect the nation from threats within its colonies.
• C. allowing the military to establish bases throughout the world. (Correct answer)
• D. boosting the raw materials available for military weapons.