During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a prominent symbol of American imperialism was the American flag. The American flag represented not only the nation itself but also the expansion of its influence around the globe. As the United States acquired new territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the flag became a powerful emblem of its growing power and reach.
Furthermore, the concept of Manifest Destiny played a significant role in shaping American imperialist ideals. This notion, which held that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent, later translated into a broader belief that America had a right to spread its influence and values worldwide. The incorporation of these territories and the display of the American flag signified not only political control but also an assertion of cultural and economic dominance.
Overall, the American flag serves as a lasting symbol of American imperialism, representing the nation’s ambitions and the complexities of its global interactions during that era.