After World War I, the growth of international trade demonstrated the American desire to build, innovate and explore new markets, alongside global competition for control of weak territories. resulted in the change in American foreign policy from an isolationist to an imperialist vision. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Imperialism is defined as the policy of extending control over foreign entities through political intervention or direct or indirect economic. Imperialism involves the practice of expanding power or sovereignty, usually through the direct acquisition of territory or by gaining political and economic control of other regions. The purpose of this essay is to analyze the role of American presidents - Roosevelt, McKinley and Wilson - in the development of American imperialism. One reason why President Roosevelt is an important factor in American imperialism is due to his influence on the Panama Canal. and its corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. The Panama Canal was Roosevelt's most important achievement because it fully embodied American imperialism. In other words, it was necessary to intervene in the affairs of weaker countries for Roosevelt to have a stable and orderly economy and presence in the world. When the Colombian government proved difficult to negotiate, Roosevelt sponsored a national uprising by Panamanian separatists and forced Colombia to accept the creation of an independent Republic of Panama. It was virtually a “puppet state” under American leadership that allowed the canal to be dominated by American regulation. Roosevelt outlined the corollary of the Monroe Doctrine, according to which the United States had the right to "exercise international police power" in Latin America if there were "egregious instances of wrongdoing or impotence" . This was done to show the world that the United States was an unstoppable power. This was a significant change in American policy as Roosevelt virtually amended the Monroe Doctrine to justify his interventionist policy of imposing Panamanian independence in order to ensure American control over the Panama Canal. This also shows the influence of America, capable of controlling a state. Another reason for the importance of Roosevelt's imperialism was his collaboration with Alfred Thayer Mahan on American naval bases. Mahan was a close friend of Roosevelt, and therefore Roosevelt accepted Mahan's arguments that by investing in China, the United States could build naval bases and that America would therefore have a more "forward-thinking" foreign policy. , based on modern maritime power. By expanding the US Navy, America would appear more powerful in the eyes of other countries with great maritime power, capable of defending itself against attacks from other powers, particularly European powers, and could join the list of world powers. Roosevelt, President McKinley was imperialist with his influence over Cuba. When Cuban nationalists launched a revolt against Spanish rule in 1895, they received significant support from American sympathizers. The U.S. government did not want to get involved in Cuba, however, when the Spanish ambassador criticized McKinley, he felt he had no choice but to go to war. The Teller Amendment was passed in Congress, ensuring that Cuba..