The politicians who determined American foreign relations between 1865 and 1914 _______________.

A) failed to recognize the relationship between expansion and economic growth
B) allowed foreign policy to be shaped almost exclusively by public opinion
C) believed that exertion of American influence abroad would help maintain prosperity at home
D) rejected the concept of power politics, advancing instead the idea that all nations are equals in the world community

The politicians between 1865 and 1914 believed that exerting American influence abroad would help maintain prosperity at home, which is in line with answer choice C. They embraced expansionism and imperialism, believing that increasing American influence abroad would open new markets for American goods and increase the country's economic growth. They did not reject power politics, nor did they allow foreign policy to be shaped almost exclusively by public opinion. They also recognized the relationship between expansion and economic growth.