[Instrumental Intro] [Intro] A century of ambition... From thirteen colonies... To sovereign states on the map... With power across the seas... Isolationism... Expansionism... Imperialism... [Instrumental Transition] [Verse 1] The world was changing, the factories roared, The great powers wanted more and more. Raw materials, markets to sell, Building their empires, their influence swelled. The U.S. watched as the powers competed, With overseas markets and resources needed. Across the Pacific, the merchants had eyes, On China and Japan, where new profits might rise. Matthew Perry sailed in fifty-three, Four warships brought diplomacy. Japan faced pressure to open its gates, And signed a trade treaty with the United States. Then William Seward had a vision in mind, An American empire of a different kind. Alaska from Russia, a bargain was made, Seven-point-two million dollars paid. They laughed at his icebox, said he'd gone too far, But gold in the north made Alaska a star! [Instrumental Break] [Chorus] U.S. foreign policy Changing over time Three major "-isms" Now, let’s define: In the early days Washington preached "Isolation" Stay out of firm alliances And wars with other nations Some years passed by And the U.S. grew Now "Expansionism" was on the menu Moving west, taking Native lands While slavery's growth fueled demands Fast-forward some more Now slavery's over But the nation’s reach kept getting bolder They looked far beyond the country’s edge To distant shores with a hungry pledge EMPIRE! Became the name of the game And the United States would never be the same! [Extended Instrumental Interlude] [Verse 2] Josiah Strong said, "Lift up the world," Spread Western culture, let the flag unfurl. Christianity and civilization, They claimed were gifts for every nation. Social Darwinism twisted the view, Said the strongest had the right to rule. They called it progress, a righteous plan, But who gave them the right to command? Down in Latin America, trade was the prize, James G. Blaine saw opportunity rise. A conference in Washington brought nations together, Pan-American co-operation was the endeavor. But trade wasn't enough to command the seas, Muh-Hann demanded naval supremacy. Steel replaced wood, steam replaced sail, New ports for refueling along every trail. A stronger navy, an expanding reach, A lesson in power history would teach! [Instrumental Break] [Chorus] U.S. foreign policy Changing over time Three major "-isms" Now, let’s define: In the early days Washington preached "Isolation" Stay out of firm alliances And wars with other nations Some years passed by And the U.S. grew Now "Expansionism" was on the menu Moving west, taking Native lands While slavery's growth fueled demands Fast-forward some more Now slavery's over But the nation’s reach kept getting bolder They looked far beyond the country’s edge To distant shores with a hungry pledge EMPIRE! Became the name of the game And the United States would never be the same! [Instrumental Solo] [Bridge] Every empire tells a story, Of progress, power, wealth, and glory. But behind the promises, behind the pride, Whose voices were pushed aside? Who gained the riches? Who paid the price? Who got to choose? Who sacrificed? When a nation claims to know what's right, Does that give it power to rule another's life? [Brief Instrumental Build] Is it freedom? Is it trade? Is it power? Who gets paid? Who makes the rules? Who draws the lines? Who owns the future? Who decides? [Instrumental Crescendo] [Final Chorus] U.S. foreign policy Changing over time Three major "-isms" Now, let’s define: In the early days Washington preached "Isolation" Stay out of firm alliances And wars with other nations Some years passed by And the U.S. grew Now "Expansionism" was on the menu Moving west, taking Native lands While slavery's growth fueled demands Fast-forward some more Now slavery's over But the nation’s reach kept getting bolder They looked far beyond the country’s edge To distant shores with a hungry pledge [Brief Pause] EMPIRE! BECAME THE NAME OF THE GAME! AND THE UNITED STATES WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME! [Extended Instrumental Outro] [Outro] Isolationism... Expansionism... Imperialism... Three major "-isms"... One changing nation... And the world would never be the same. [Instrumental Fade Out]
