Introduction

 In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the United States pursued a forceful policy of expansion.  Some wanted to expand power, so that the United States could become the most powerful nation. Others did not want to expand power, because they didn’t want the U.S. to have too much central power.  Journalist would exaggerate about the issue, of whether to expand or not, using yellow journalism.  They would write about certain things no matter if they are true or not, mainly to keep readers interested.  Money also played a big role in the decision to expand. Since, we don’t have money to buy the land, what if we could bribe them with the promise of a loan (dollar diplomacy).   The money was paying for a war that wasn’t fought. All of these things helped make the American Empire what it is today.