How did the US expand its influence in the world?

Answer 1

The Japanese-American Treaty, the Open Door Policy, the Boxer Rebellion, the Panama Canal, and Roosevelt's roll as a mediator all contributed to increasing United States involvement in world affairs. :)

Answer 2

There have been 5 major expansions in the United States.

The first major expansion was gaining the Louisiana Territory. This territory included land west of the Mississippi (including little parts east of the river as well), stretching from Louisiana to Montana. This territory belonged to the French prior to the transfer. The United States paid France about US$15,000,000 for the approximate 2,000,000 km2 land.

The second major expansion was annexing the Republic of Texas. The Republic of Texas gained independence from Mexico before the annexation. In fact, the only reason why the country was annexed was because it was populated by many Americans. This territory stretched all the way from southern Wyoming to Texas. However, the Mexicans did not recognize this annexation or even the Texans' independence. Boundary disputes were also in effect.

The third major expansion was the result of the Mexican-American War. This war was the perfect vision of Manifest Destiny, as it's purpose was for the expansion of the United States. However, the country began as the result of finaling the Texas annexation. After the Americans won the war, the country gained about 1,300,000 km2, or about 1/3 of Mexico's land. However, the US was not completely heartless, as they gave the country of Mexico us$15,000,000. This new territory stretched from California to Wyoming and Colorado.

The fourth major expansion was the splitting of Oregon Country. Oregon Country was an area situated in both the modern day United States and Canada. In the beginning, five countries all claimed this area; Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Spain. Russia dropped out because of loss of interest, France dropped out as a result of the Seven Years' War, and Spain dropped out as a result of a treaty following the transferring of Florida to the United States. All that were left were the United States and United Kingdom. The US feared war would break out, so they sought peace. The country proposed splitting the Oregon Country along the 49º parallel and the British accepted the offer. In fact, the 49º parallel forms a large portion of the US-Canada border, spreading practically from the Pacific coast to the Great Lakes. Oregon Country included Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

The fifth major expansion was the purchase of Alaska. Alaska was a Russian territory at the time and covered an area of about 1,500,000 km2. The US purchased this territory from the Russians for an amazing US$7,200,000; which came out to be about US$4.75/km2!

Other expansions include the annexation of Hawaii and the "purchase" of Florida. So by this date you can conclude that the US expanded its borders by purchasing land, annexing countries, or waging war.