The American Civil War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The American Civil War - Essay Example The American Civil War Both of these developments saw the strengthening of the American nation and the consolidation of the North American continent under the federal American government. Similarly, a consolidated and expanding America was able to exert itself in the affairs of Latin America to its own benefits. In a comparable manner, America was able to carve out spheres of influence in Asia in order to protect its interests in the East. This essay will look into specific examples of American consolidation and expansion in the aforementioned regions between the American Civil War and the First World War along with the justifications presented by the American nation for such actions. The American Civil War needs to be considered foremost since the emancipation of the African Americans provided the burgeoning economy and the industrialising North with ready hand, cheap labour. Furthermore, the American Civil War was instrumental in abrading the South’s political power so that the centre of power shi fted to the North. The political structure of the nation was also strengthened given that the American Civil War proved that breakaway states would not be tolerated by the federation. In turn, this allowed the consolidation of the American nation on the North American continent. The consolidation of the American nation at home allowed America to eye the larger global stage for expansion. Before the 1890’s, the only major American territorial expansion was the purchase of Alaska from Russia in lieu of the Aleutian Islands. (Foner 711). However, the burgeoning industrial complex at home demanded an increase in exports, especially during periods of lowered consumption at home. America began to view the rest of the world