The arguments for and against foreign expansion raised a foreign policy debate from the late 19th century to the early of the 20th century. People favored overseas expansion because they wanted the American economy to grow. Missionaries, who wanted to convert the people of the new lands, also propelled this new policy, and theories such as Social Darwinism and Manifest Destiny made people believe that it was right for America to expand its borders and help the less fortunate. But some disagreed with overseas expansion because they saw it as an act of hypocrisy on the part of Americans, or as a way to subjugate other nations just for America's benefit. Others feared that establishing contact with underdeveloped nations would ultimately dilute their racial stock and America's strength. In the late 19th century, growth in population and production led many people to look outward. By expanding, America would ensure that there would always be access to foreign markets for the sale of its surplus products. To fuel America's industrial economy, people found expansion very beneficial. Overseas territories offered cheap labor to make American products more cheaply and were full of natural resources and raw materials, which could be very useful to American manufacturing. These foreign territories could serve as possible supply stations for battleships, or as military bases. Many businessmen found this idea very beneficial because they saw it as an investment opportunity. They were willing to use their excess capital to invest in mines in the Philippines or to start producing in Hawaii because they knew it would give them higher returns than investing...... middle of paper . .....also disagreed in subjugating other nations simply because America thought it was superior, and some did not want to see their blood mixed with that of inferior cultures. Works Cited Brody, David and Henretta, James A. America a Concise History volume 2: Since 1865. Boston MA: Bedford / St. Martin's, 2010. Print. “Imperialism, 1890-1914 (overview). » American history. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. Feb. 19 2010. .Lewis, Chris H. “The Spanish-American-Philippine War.” Colorado.edu. University of Colorado at Boulder, August 7, 2002. Web. February 18, 2010. “Spanish-American War.” American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. February 19, 2010..Williams, William. “Non-Self-Governing Territories”. Reader's Companion to American History, (1991): 364. Print.