Between the late 19th and 20th centuries, the United States pursued an aggressive policy of expansionism, extending its political, military, and economic influence throughout the world. The events of this “era of imperialism” laid the foundation for America's international power and at the same time defined the use of these powers. The policy implemented by the United States at this time is known as Big Stick Diplomacy, which consisted of speaking softly but carrying a big stick. This meant that the United States would ask for something or take a stand on an issue and if another nation refused or went against the United States, then the military would be called in to "solve" the problems. This domineering foreign policy defined the policy of American imperialism that was especially prevalent from 1890 to 1913. The influential powers of the United States came from a strong military and naval force. The naval force had been strengthened under Teddy Roosevelt when he was undersecretary of the Navy. America's naval force saw rapid growth to become the fifth most powerful navy by 1898 and according to The Influence of Sea Power upon History by Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, this strengthened navy was necessary as control of the seas was key to dominance and the world empire. The United States could have displayed its naval prowess in defense of economic interests in Cuban sugar, threatened by the Spanish reconcentration of 1896-1898. Exaggerated yellow journalism about reconcentration, the De Lome letter, and the explosion of the USS Maine, believed to have been done by the Spanish, combined to drag America into the Spanish-American War. The United States has seen its influential international power grow stronger in the wake of a tremendous... middle of paper... Destiny and has extended its international influence 10,000 miles from Puerto Rico to the Philippines. This aggressive policy of expansion with its vast addition of territory was spurred by both political and economic interests in these foreign islands. The United States could definitively be called an empire as it forced people to live under American government while trying to extradite wealth from these island nations which became territories and protectorates through military and political force. American imperialism would continue during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, who was initially an anti-imperialist in rhetoric but invaded more countries than any other president. The prevalence of American imperialism from 1890 to 1913 saw the United States expand its borders and political, economic, and military influence in international affairs around the world..