Economic benefits:
- Access to new markets for American goods and services: The Philippines and Hawaii had large populations that could provide new customers for American businesses.
- Sources of raw materials: The Philippines and Hawaii produced a variety of raw materials that were needed by American industries, such as sugar, hemp, and timber.
- Potential for investment: The Philippines and Hawaii offered opportunities for American businesses to invest in new ventures, such as plantations and mining operations.
Strategic benefits:
- Expansion of American influence in the Pacific: The acquisition of the Philippines and Hawaii extended American control over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. This gave the United States a greater say in regional affairs and increased its ability to project power in the region.
- Naval bases: The Philippines and Hawaii provided the United States with strategic locations for naval bases. These bases could be used to protect American interests in the Pacific and to project power in the region.
- Coaling stations: The Philippines and Hawaii provided the United States with coaling stations for its navy. This allowed American ships to refuel and restock without having to return to the mainland United States.