What motivated U.S. American expansionism in the 1890’s – and perhaps still today?

Chapter 18, online primary source, documentary, and image selections: Calderon (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.; Kipling (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.; Crosby (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.; Crucible of Empire (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.(1);Crucible of Empire (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.(2);

Question: What motivated U.S. American expansionism in the 1890’s – and perhaps still today? Do you think U.S. foreign policy is primarily an interventionist savior of other nations or an interfering expansionist into the affairs of other nations? Or some of both? Give examples, but focus mainly on events covered in Chapter 18, the documentary excerpts, and image of Uncle Sam teaching a diverse group of students.