Which of the following best describes the rationale behind U.S. expansionism during the late 19th century?

The rationale behind U.S. expansionism during the late 19th century was primarily driven by the need for new markets and resources. This period marked a significant shift in American foreign policy as the country sought to assert itself on the global stage. Industrial growth in the United States created an excess of goods, leading to the necessity for markets beyond domestic borders where these manufactured products could be sold.

Additionally, the quest for new resources was crucial, as industrialization increased the demand for raw materials. This need for both markets and resources led to policies that encouraged imperialist expansion, including the acquisition of territories through strategies such as diplomacy, economic pressure, and sometimes military intervention.

In this context, while the desire for more land for agriculture and the establishment of military bases were factors in certain situations, they were not the primary motivators driving the broader movement of expansionism. The notion of spreading communism does not pertain to the time frame or context of U.S. imperialism during this era; rather, it was economic interests that played a more significant role in shaping U.S. actions at this time.