Answer to Question #118633 in History for Derek Sotomayor

Question

How did the end of the civil war opened the way for the United States expansion through the continent and overseas?

Answer 1

With the end of the civil war in 1865, The United States sought to expand its territory beyond North America. At the time, the country was focusing on reconstruction and this helped facilitate the expansion. The United States wanted to expand for economic, military and moral reasons. Industrialization in the late 1800s saw a rise in trade and America wanted to gain control of markets to supply its products. The military was a powerful tool in the expansion as it was used to force native Americans into reserves. The introduction of Christianity made Americans and other European nations feel morally superior. This prompted them to send out missionaries to other countries to introduce them to Christianity which in the long run helped them extend their territories.