American imperialism began when the United States began a major territorial expansion at the turn of the 20th century. The United States used economic dominance, political manipulation, and military intervention as strategies to increase its power. An important turning point was the Spanish-American War of 1898, which resulted in the conquest of islands like the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The theory of "Manifest Destiny," which held that the United States was destined to increase its power throughout the Americas and beyond, served as justification for these acquisitions.
Minor Keith's business dealings with Central American nations are characterized by the podcast "Throughline" as "American colonialism" because of his considerable power and influence over the political and economic landscape of the region. Keith, a well-known businessman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was essential to the growth of banana plantations and railroads in nations like Costa Rica. Supported by the US government, his economic empire held significant authority, frequently at the price of regional independence. This combination of political manipulation and economic domination is similar to colonialism, in which a foreign power controls the resources and administration of another nation. Minor Keith's actions are different in a a few ways from the federal government's involvement in Pacific island nations. The federal government's operations were more obviously political and military, while Keith's influence was largely economic, using his business endeavors to exert control over Central American nations. Direct military confrontation and eventual US control were required for the conquest of territories such as the Philippines. Another example of the political character of federal interventions is the Platt Amendment of 1901, which permitted the United States to get involved in Cuban affairs. Keith's impact, on the other hand, was attained economically, even if both situations illustrate the more general ideas of colonialism and imperialism.
This story is made more complex by the development of populism. Farmers in the South and West, who were left out by the economic change and changing social structures, experienced economic troubles that led to the rise of populism. Populism took the form of a mass movement that pitted "the ethical people" against "the unethical wealthy individuals" who put their own interests ahead of the general public's. This movement aimed to defend the rights and interests of the average person by opposing the ruling class in politics, business, and religion.
In summary, a combination of political, economic, and military strategies defined American imperialism at the turn of the 20th century. The differences between the federal government's initiatives and Minor Keith's activities demonstrate the different strategies used to increase American power. The emergence of populism, which pushed for a more equal society, coincided with the growing dissatisfaction among excluded groups.