How did america become a world power?

By 1890, the United States had by far the world's most productive economy. American industry produced twice as much as its closest competitor--Britain. But the United States was not a great military or diplomatic power. ... From the Civil War until the 1890s, most Americans had little interest in territorial expansion.

By 1890, the United States had by far the world's most productive economy. American industry produced twice as much as its closest competitor--Britain. But the United States was not a great military or diplomatic power. ... From the Civil War until the 1890s, most Americans had little interest in territorial expansion.