During which historical period was jingoism particularly prevalent in the United States?

Jingoism was particularly prevalent in the United States during the Spanish-American War, which occurred in 1898. This period was characterized by an intense form of nationalism that emphasized military action and imperialism as a means of asserting America's power and influence on the global stage.

The backdrop of the Spanish-American War included sensationalist journalism, often referred to as "yellow journalism," which inflamed public sentiment against Spain and fueled a desire for military intervention. The call for war was marked by patriotic fervor, portraying American military action as a moral obligation to liberate oppressed peoples, particularly in Cuba. This jingoistic attitude led to widespread support for the war among the American public and a belief that the United States was destined to expand its influence and territory.

In contrast, the post-World War II era and the Cold War involved a mix of patriotism and strategic diplomacy rather than the overt aggression characteristic of jingoism, while the Great Depression was dominated by economic concerns that shifted focus away from foreign intervention. Thus, the Spanish-American War remains the clearest embodiment of jingoistic sentiment in American history.