Question

9
expansionists also argued that ameri-
cans had a right and a duty to bring western
culture to the “uncivilized” peoples of the
world. josiah strong, a congregational min-
ister, declared that americans were “divinely
commissioned” to spread democracy and
christianity “down upon mexico, down upon
central and south america, out upon the is-
lands of the sea.”

other expansionists stressed the need to
offset the vanishing frontier. for 100 years,
the economy had boomed as americans set-
tled the western frontier. the 1890 census
said, however, that the frontier was gone.
people in crowded eastern cities had no new
land to settle. the solution, said some, was to
take new land overseas.

1. what are some cultural reasons many

americans wanted to expand overseas?
explain:

Explanation:

1. Religious Duty (Christianity): Figures like Josiah Strong (a minister) argued Americans were “divinely commissioned” to spread Christianity to “uncivilized” peoples. This reflected a belief in Christian missionary work and the moral obligation to “civilize” others with Western religious values.
2. Cultural Superiority (Western Civilization): Expansionists viewed American/Western culture (democracy, technology, social norms) as superior. They felt it was their right/duty to impose these on non - Western societies, seeing others as “uncivilized” and in need of Western “improvement.”
3. Frontier Closure & Cultural Outlet: The 1890 census declared the Western frontier closed. For a century, westward expansion had been a core part of American identity (spreading culture, settling land). Overseas expansion became a new way to continue this cultural “mission” of spreading American values, settling new areas, and maintaining the nation’s expansionist spirit.

Answer:

• Religious Motivation: Americans, led by figures like Josiah Strong, believed they were divinely tasked to spread Christianity and democracy to non - Western, “uncivilized” societies.
• Cultural Superiority: They saw Western (American) culture as superior and felt obligated to “civilize” other peoples by imposing their social, political, and religious norms.
• Frontier - Related Cultural Drive: With the Western frontier closed (1890 census), overseas expansion offered a new avenue to continue the American tradition of spreading their culture, values, and way of life by settling and influencing new territories.