Who were key thinkers and players of American Imperialism?Who were key thinkers and players of american imperialism

There were not that many people who have their names
actually associated with American imperialism.  It was more of a nationwide trend than
something that was pushed by just a few people.  I will mention two people who were
quite important in US imperialism.

First, there was Alfred
Thayer Mahan.  Mahan was a naval officer who wrote an important book entitled
The Influence of Sea Power Upon History.  This book put forth the
idea that naval power was the key to a country's success.  This idea influenced many
people to argue that it was important for the US to take an empire that would allow it
to project naval power over long distances.

Second, there
was Theodore Roosevelt.  Roosevelt was a staunch supporter of the idea that the US
needed to take an empire.  He felt it was important to do this so as to give Americans a
chance to flex their muscles and act in a masculine way.  He felt that America had to
challenge itself so that it would continue to be
strong.

These are two of the most important names in
American imperialism.