Which of the following was a characteristic of American imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The expansion of military presence in foreign territories was a defining characteristic of American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, where the country increasingly sought to exert its influence and control over other nations. Notable examples include the U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War, the establishment of a naval presence in places like Hawaii and the Philippines, and the building of infrastructure like the Panama Canal. These actions demonstrated a commitment to expanding American power through military means, reflecting a broader strategy of interventionism rather than isolationism.

Additionally, the American military presence in these territories often served to protect U.S. interests, ensure access to new markets, and promote a sense of national security. This period's imperialistic attitudes were encapsulated in the belief that the United States was destined to spread its ideals, often justified under concepts like Manifest Destiny and the White Man's Burden. Thus, the military expansion goes hand in hand with the overall goals of American imperialism in this era.