uring the expansionism westward, only ground military units were required. However, during expansionism overseas, a strong navy was essential, although ground troops were also needed during certain times. Imperialist and naval commander, Alfred Mahan believed that with a strong navy, the United States could successfully protect itself, and extend its influence overseas. When the United States claimed territories in the west, such as California, they had every intention to later make them states. However, concerning the overseas territories, the United States simply wanted strategic trade and military locations, new markets, and resources. Almost none of these territories would become states, except Hawaii, because very few Americans ever made the journey and inhabited the islands. The question if the constitutional rights were to be granted to the territories would spark debates and end up in the Supreme Court until 1903. Finally, in the case of overseas expansion, the United States simply caught the imperialistic fever that was spreading through Europe; where as the idea of Manifest Destiny was derived directly from the people of the United States. Both of these movements basically had the same general reason, which was to make the power of the United States even greater....
