American Imperialism (1880-1917)

Questions and Answers

Define Imperialism and cite two examples.

Imperialism is the policy by which stronger nations extend economic, political, or military control over a weaker territory/people. Examples include America's involvement in Hawaii and Cuba.

Explain the three justifications for American Imperialism between 1880-1917.

The three justifications are Economic Interests, Military Interests, and Belief in Cultural Superiority.

Name the places the US acquired after the Civil War.

Hawaii, Alaska, the Philippines, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Panama.

What is Yellow Journalism, and who were key figures behind it?

Yellow Journalism is a style of journalism that exaggerates and sensationalizes news. Key figures include Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. Signup and view all the answers

What violent event sparked the Spanish-American War?

The explosion of the USS Maine. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Spanish-American War fought?

The war was fought in the Philippines and the Caribbean. Signup and view all the answers

Trace Theodore Roosevelt's involvement in the Spanish-American War.

Theodore Roosevelt was in the Department of the Navy, resigned to fight, put US ships on alert, and helped organize the Rough Riders. Signup and view all the answers

What were the results of the Spanish-American War?

The US acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba, and Cuba was required to accept the Platt Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Anti-Imperialist League and name four famous members.

The Anti-Imperialist League was formed by Americans who opposed the treatment of former Spanish colonies. Members included Jane Addams, Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, and Samuel Gompers. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Open Door Policy of 1899.

The Open Door Policy meant that no one nation had a monopoly on trade in China. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Boxer Rebellion.

The Boxer Rebellion was led by a group of Chinese known as 'The Boxers' who resented foreign presence and traditions in 1900. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Theodore Roosevelt want to build the Panama Canal?

To increase access from the Atlantic to the Pacific without sailing around South America. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.

The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the US would intervene in Latin America to protect its interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Great White Fleet and what is its purpose?

The Great White Fleet was a fleet of American battleships launched to demonstrate US naval power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Imperialism Defined

Imperialism is the policy of stronger nations extending control over weaker territories to exploit resources.
Examples include the annexation of Hawaii for a naval base and sugar production and the US control of Cuba leading to Guantanamo Bay.

Justifications for American Imperialism (1880-1917)

Economic Interests: Aimed at increasing US prosperity through trade and resource acquisition.
Military Interests: Establishment of military presence in strategic locations.
Belief in Cultural Superiority: The notion that American government, culture, and race are superior, accompanied by a desire to spread democracy.

Territories Acquired Post-Civil War

Key acquisitions include Hawaii, Alaska, the Philippines, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Panama.

Yellow Journalism

A sensationalist journalism style aimed at boosting newspaper sales through exaggerated news stories.
Prominent figures like Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst exploited sensationalism, particularly regarding Spain’s treatment of Cubans.

Spark of the Spanish-American War

The explosion of the USS Maine served as a catalyst for the war, with Yellow Journalism promoting the belief that Spain was responsible.

Locations of the Spanish-American War

The conflict involved battles in the Philippines (naval) and the Caribbean (naval and land).

Theodore Roosevelt's Role

Roosevelt served in the Department of the Navy before resigning to join the war effort.
He organized the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit that gained fame at the Battle of San Juan Hill.

Outcomes of the Spanish-American War

Spain relinquished control of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Cuba to the US.
The Platt Amendment allowed US intervention in Cuban affairs and established Guantanamo Bay as a naval base.
Puerto Rico became a US territory with appointed officials overseeing governance.

Anti-Imperialist League

Formed to oppose US treatment of Spain’s former colonies, advocating for governance "with the consent of the governed."
Notable members included Jane Addams, Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, and Samuel Gompers.

Open Door Policy (1899)

Proposed by Secretary of State John Hay, it aimed to ensure no single nation monopolized trade in China.
Most involved nations accepted the policy.

Boxer Rebellion

Led by the "Boxers," a Chinese group opposed to foreign influence and disrespect for their traditions.
The uprising in 1900 resulted in violence against foreigners, requiring a coalition of international forces to suppress it.

Theodore Roosevelt and the Panama Canal

Roosevelt sought the canal to enhance access between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, avoiding the lengthy journey around South America.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

Introduced in 1904, it positioned the US as the regional "policeman" in Latin America to protect American interests.
Built on the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which warned European powers against further colonization in the Americas.

Great White Fleet

The Great White Fleet was a battleship fleet launched by Roosevelt to demonstrate US naval strength.
Its deployment responded to Japanese military successes and aimed to assert US presence globally.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key concepts of American imperialism from 1880 to 1917, including its definitions, justifications, and significant territorial acquisitions. Delve into how economic, military, and cultural beliefs shaped US policies during this era.