What role did missionaries play in American imperialism?

Missionaries played a significant role in American imperialism by associating the spread of Christianity with the justification for U.S. involvement in foreign lands. They believed that their religious mission was to convert non-Christian peoples, which often aligned with U.S. expansionist goals. The idea of a "civilizing mission" was prevalent, where missionaries viewed their work not only as a religious duty but also as a means of bringing progress and civilization to others, often framed in the context of American exceptionalism.

Their efforts frequently supported imperialistic policies and ambitions by creating favorable conditions for U.S. political and economic interests abroad. As they established churches and schools, they laid the groundwork for American influence in various regions, encouraging the U.S. government to take a more active role in those areas. This connection between missionary work and American expansion is evident in various historical examples, such as the role of missionaries in Hawaii and the Philippines, where their presence often facilitated or justified U.S. annexation and control.