Which term describes the 19th-century policy of expanding national power internationally?

• A. Expansionism
• B. Isolationism
• C. Mercantilism
• D. Progressivism

Answer: (A)

Expansionism describes a nation’s push to extend its power beyond its borders, often through territorial acquisitions, building influence, and projecting military or economic leverage abroad. In the 19th century, many countries pursued imperial projects to secure colonies, access new markets, and gain strategic advantages, all aimed at increasing national power on the world stage. For the United States, this era involved the idea of extending influence beyond the continental boundaries and pursuing overseas interests, as did other powers with colonization and spheres of influence in various regions.

Isolationism would mean staying out of foreign affairs, which runs counter to expanding power abroad. Mercantilism is an older economic framework focused on accumulating wealth and resources through trade and colonies, but it describes an economic theory rather than the broad policy of expanding political power internationally. Progressivism refers to reform movements focused on domestic social and political change in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, not international expansion.