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Hegemony

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America’s Aggressive Economic Hegemony American Expansionism during the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century is a result of America’s economic necessity as a growing country. Through this economic conquest, America was led to the forefront of the world stage in the process. America’s idea of Manifest Destiny, first coined by John O’Sullivan in 1845, was used as their catalyst to spur expansion of the United States territory and its trade to all parts of the globe. Through America’s first conflict with Spain in the Seminole War they were allowed to take over Florida, starting its progress onto the world stage. America’s victory in one of its first foreign affairs on foreign soil in the Mexican-American War further led to this rise on the world stage. After the success of the Mexican-American War, America turned to Hawaii and East Asia and continued their economic pursuits there through movements such as the Tyler Doctrine and the Treaty of Kanagawa. President James Monroe was keen on removing Spain from Florida in 1818 and gave General Andrew Jackson orders to quell the Seminole rebellion in any manner he saw fit. By doing so, America would have leverage over Spain in negotiations. While this message was misinterpreted, the aftermath favored the United States on the grounds that “Spain’s inability to maintain order compelled United States to do so.” The removal of Indians, obtaining more territories and delaying of British intervention was justified through the idea of Manifest Destiny. America was on its way towards economic dominance. In 1819, through the signing of the Adams – Onis Treaty, Spanish minister Luis De Otis finally gave up Florida to America. However, Monroe had to recognize Spain sovereignty of Texas for the time being. America would later return to claim the huge bounty through a bloody war. John Quincy Adams was an advocate for America’s

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