Problem: Using Lenin's description of an imperialistic event, describe the difference between imperialism and expansionism. Examine the pattern of American expansion first developed in our early national history and explain how the Texas experience is likely the best illustration of that pattern. How did Americans justify their expansionistic impulse in the middle nineteenth century? Describe how the election of 1844 served as a national referendum on expansionism and analyze the effects of the event that the election led to.