The option that did not stimulate U.S. imperialism is:
2. need for a new source of cheap labor
Explanation:
1. desire for military strength: This was a significant factor that stimulated U.S. imperialism. The desire for military strength led the United States to expand its territories to gain strategic advantages, naval bases, and secure trade routes.
2. need for a new source of cheap labor: Unlike the other options, the need for a new source of cheap labor did not directly drive U.S. imperialism. While labor was a consideration in some instances, it was not the primary motivator behind U.S. expansionism during the imperialist era.
3. thirst for new economic markets: The thirst for new economic markets was a key driver of U.S. imperialism. Seeking new markets for American goods and resources fueled the expansion into territories such as the Philippines and Hawaii to access raw materials and create new markets for trade.
4. Social Darwin ideas and a belief in cultural superiority: This belief in cultural superiority, along with Social Darwinism, justified and promoted U.S. imperialism by framing it as a way to spread American values, civilization, and institutions to less developed nations.
In summary, while factors such as the desire for military strength, thirst for new economic markets, and cultural superiority influenced U.S. imperialism, the need for a new source of cheap labor did not play a significant role in stimulating U.S. imperialism.
