What area of the world did the U.S. focus on for imperialistic expansion in the late 19th century?

In the late 19th century, the United States primarily focused its imperialistic expansion on Asia and the Pacific. This period was characterized by a strong interest in foreign markets and the acquisition of territories that could enhance America's economic influence and strategic presence globally. The U.S. sought to expand its influence in Asia through initiatives such as the Open Door Policy, which aimed to secure equal trading rights for all nations in China, and the annexation of Hawaii, which provided a strategic naval base in the Pacific.

Furthermore, the United States played a key role in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War in 1898, marking a significant expansion of American territory and influence in Asia. The strategic importance of these regions was tied both to trade and military positioning, illustrating the broader imperialist ambitions of the U.S. during this period. Thus, the focus on Asia and the Pacific reflects the culmination of various diplomatic, military, and economic factors driving American expansionism at the time.