Naval officer, helped transform America into a naval power
Sailed into Japan and set a precedent for further expansion across the Atlantic. He insisted on trading rights with Japan
Secretary of State was ridiculed for his purchase of Alaska from Russia
Queen of Hawaii, and was overthrown by Americans because she threatened to limit their powers. The wealthy planters wanted to annex Hawaii to the U.S.
Stronger nation shows dominance over weaker nations
Send the raw materials back home to benefit own economy
Had an access in goods and need to find other markets. America wanted to increase its opportunity for trade and find mare markets for its goods.
America used the ideas of social darwanism and manifest destiny to acquire territory.