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In the 1898 treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded Puerto Rico to the United States. Puerto Rico then became a US territory and many US government officials were sent to rule over the country. Over time, US businesses invested in the new territory, and they took over most of the industries in the area (including tobacco,  banking, sugar, and overseas shipping). Many farmers and small plantation owners could not compete with the cheap imported foods and mechanized farms from the US. As time passed, unemployment rates continued to increase, and living conditions became deplorable.

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In 1912, the United States sent marines to cut off funds in the Dominican government. Soon after the funds were cut off, the Dominican Republic was in national debt. The U.S government issued itself to have greater control over the Dominican Republics finances and military. They were getting involved enough to keep the country close but they didn't want to own the land yet.
During the elections on December 3rd, the U.S replaced the Dominican Republics government with direct U.S military rule because the election was "unlikely to result in a candidate acceptable to the U.S. Government."
In 1916, America was concerned about Germany occupying the Dominican Republic during World War 1. The government "began a military occupation and administration" to gain the land, in which lasted for 8 years. In 1924, the United States fully gained access over the territory.

Source: U.S. Department of State

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In 1896 Filipino Guerillas began to fight for independence from Spain but then in 1898 the US declared war on Spain and tried to take control of the Philippines. The US Navy surrounded Manilla Bay and Guerillas surrounded the capital. Then, the Philippines tried to declare itself an independent republic but the United States refused to recognize it as such. The Spanish then sold the Philippines to the US for 20 million dollars in December of 1898. President McKinley, of the US, claimed that the acquisition’s goal wasn’t malicious intent but rather to “civilize” and help Philipinos by giving them more rights. However, McKinley’s claim wasn't evident and was just used to get US citizens to support the colonization of the Philippines. This is a prime example of American supremacy through imperialism because the US felt that they were superior and had the power to control Philipinos and gain power. The US brought 200,000 troops over to suppress those fighting for independence which sparked a war in 1900. This brought about the death of about 16,000 to 20,000 Filipino soldiers, and 200,000 civilians, due to war-related famine and disease.

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In 1893, America invaded Hawaii and overthrew the monarchy there. The culture has since been wiped and the natives were forced to assimilate. They had to give up their sovereignty

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The United States was feeling stronger than ever. They had just gained power in the Philippines and Puerto Rico. This control in other countries had expanded the want for power in more countries. This is how the US sparked the idea of obtaining the canal in Panama. This canal would give the US major benefits most importantly, keeping warships safer and less vulnerable to attack. It also would lead to economic advantages increasing trade with other countries (specially their main trading partner Asia). President Theodore Roosevelt attempted to make a treaty with Columbia for control over the canal, but Columbia knew the value of the canal and wasn't willing to give it up that easily. Panamanians in fact we're very unhappy with the Columbian leadership and they revolted. Panamanians won their independence and this allowed the United States to have control over the canal. This emphasizes how the United States was willing to risk their relationship with another nation (Latin America) for more land, power and benefits. They were careless of what destruction they had to do to gain those luxuries. America thought they were so much better than the other nations that they deserved this land and the benefits that come with the Panama Canal. That is portraying American Exceptionalism.