What term describes the U.S. policy of extending its influence in Asia during the late 19th century?

The term that best describes the U.S. policy of extending its influence in Asia during the late 19th century is "Imperialism." This period marked a significant shift in American foreign policy as the United States sought to expand its territory and influence beyond its continental borders. Under the influence of various economic, political, and cultural factors, American leaders believed that it was their duty to spread democracy and civilization to other parts of the world, which manifested in actions such as the annexation of Hawaii, the acquisition of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War, and the Open Door Policy in China.

This pursuit of imperialism involved not just political control but also economic investments and cultural outreach, as the U.S. aimed to secure markets for its goods and promote its way of life. The term captures the broader ambitions and justifications for U.S. involvement in overseas territories, distinguishing it from other concepts such as isolationism, which denotes a policy of staying out of foreign conflicts, or expansionism, which may imply a more limited focus on territorial gain without the same connotations of dominance and control associated with imperialism.