In 1865, after the end of the American Civil War, the northern big bourgeoisie established its leading position in the country, and then consolidated the formation of a unified national market. This not only strengthened their position in the country, but also laid the foundation for the rapid development of American capitalism, which promoted rapid economic growth.
However, the rise of the United States quickly caused collective panic and jealousy on the European continent. Since the 70s of the 19th century, the "American threat theory" has become popular in European countries, especially in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States defeated the traditional European power Spain and occupied Cuba and the Philippines, making the "American threat theory" reach its peak. So how powerful was the United States at that time that even the European empires, which had dominated for centuries, panicked?
First, Europe's historical bias against the United States
For Europeans a hundred years ago, they generally looked down on Americans.
Early American immigrants were either fleeing religious persecution or poor families seeking livelihoods in the New World. In addition, the United States was a colony of Europeans, so in the eyes of Europeans at that time, when the concept of hierarchy was deeply rooted, although the United States was independent, it was still inferior to Europeans in international status.
In addition, the victory of the North in the Civil War intensified the hostility of Europeans to the United States. Before the unification of the North and the South, the United States South had been a cheap supplier of raw materials to Europe, and Europe maintained close cooperation with the South. But with the unification of the North and the South, Europe lost this important source of raw materials and had to find alternative sources.
At the end of the 19th century, with the rapid development of the American economy, it became a model for Europe to emulate. The United States has made significant advances in industry, transportation, and agriculture. In the mid-1890s, the United States owned more than 50 percent of global steel production and was the world's largest exporter of oil and meat at the time.
Second, the military strength of the United States
At the end of the 19th century, Europe still ruled almost one-third of the world's land, and they believed that their colonies and armies were enough to protect them from the United States. But the Spanish-American War and the military power that the United States demonstrated in the two world wars of the early 20th century shattered this illusion.
In addition, the United States has built the most powerful navy in the world, and its presence threatens the interests of many European countries. The United States has significant naval bases in Hawaii and Guam, which allows it to control access and exports from the Pacific region.
Third, the American political system
America's modern political system has also aroused fears among Europeans. The United States has an electoral system and protects civil liberties and property rights. This system freed American politics largely from Europe's ills.
At the same time, America's open and pluralistic socio-cultural system, especially its insistence on fairness of opportunity, attracted many Europeans.
Based on the above points, it can be seen that the United States at the end of the 19th century did pose a great threat to Europe. Although the United States has become the world's most powerful superpower today, the panic and fear of Europeans at that time is still worth pondering.