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Spanish American War
This event emphasized the policy of expansionism/imperialism. The US started colonizing many nations around the world, and they gained new territory in the aftermath of the war. This started solidifying their status as a world power. -
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End of WWI & Beginning of WWII
After WWI, the US went through a time period of isolationism. The economy boomed during the 20's, but will soon lead to the Great Depression. With all these problems, the US attempted to not involve themselves in WWII. It was not until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, that the Americans decided to finally step in the war. -
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Cold War
The Cold War forced the US to rethink their policy of isolationism. Once the potential threat of the Soviet Union was greater, the US had to follow their policy of containment. Doing so, they had to support any country that were to go against Communism, naming the US as the "world's guardian."