Was McKinley's foreign policy interventionist?
Some have characterized my foreign policy as interventionist, and indeed, the events of my presidency, particularly the Spanish-American War, marked a shift in our nation's global engagement. However, I viewed these actions not as conquest for its own sake, but as a fulfillment of a national duty. The mission of the United States, as I saw it, was one of 'benevolent assimilation,' extending the benefits of American governance and civilization to new territories. It was about upholding American ideals and ensuring stability, not about territorial aggrandizement. Our actions were guided by a sense of responsibility towards humanity and a recognition of America's growing role in the world.
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