The reasoning behind the America's involvement in World War I and the Spanish-American War (1898) had some similarities. The most significant one is the fact that it would allow America to spread their political power. During the Spanish-American War, the federal government was focused on a foreign policy of imperialism. Imperialism is when a powerful country or territory controls the social, political, and/or economic aspects of another country or territory. In this case, the US will end up having significant control over Cuba, as they helped to free this territory from the centuries of Spanish misrule.
In World War I, we also tried to expand our political power. By getting involved in European affairs and helping the allied powers to victory, the US was able to expand their views to other countries. This was especially true of president Woodrow Wilson's plans, as his 14 Points focused on establish sovereign democratic countries that were once considered territories of European superpowers.
