How is American imperialism of the late 1800's similar or different to today's foreign policy?

There are
major similarities between these two foreign policies.  

In each case, the
policy was based on economic, military, and cultural/political ideas.  The US wanted an empire
in the 1800s in part so it could have access to raw materials.  Current foreign policy is very
concerned with keeping the world's oil supplies flowing.  In the 1800s, the US...