American Imperialism and Yellow Journalism
41 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following practices did yellow journalism utilize to boost circulation?

  • Distortion of events
  • Dissemination of misinformation
  • Systematic manufacturing of news
  • All of the above (correct)

    • Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst sought to uplift the standards of journalism through sensationalism.

    False (B)

    What was the name given to the sensationalized brand of journalism that emerged from the rivalry between Pulitzer and Hearst?

    Yellow Journalism

    The ______ of the USS Maine, which was widely sensationalized by yellow journalism, contributed to a national frenzy for war.

    <p>explosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following individuals or publications with their connection to yellow journalism.

    <p>Joseph Pulitzer = Publisher of The New York World and prominent figure in yellow journalism William Randolph Hearst = Publisher of The New York Journal and a fierce rival to Pulitzer The New York Evening Post = Critic of yellow journalism and its detrimental effects on society The Cuban Rebellion = The catalyst for Hearst’s aggressive campaign of yellow journalism propaganda</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the consequences of yellow journalism's excessive sensationalism?

    <p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The publication of truthful and factual news stories was a primary focus of yellow journalism.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Hearst's criticism of President McKinley's peace stance?

    <p>It was cowardly and influenced by Wall Street financiers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The navy report concluded that a mine had definitely been planted by Spanish officials.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What sentiment increased in the United States that pressured McKinley to adopt a pro-war stance?

    <p>Public sentiment for war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hearst hired a luxury steamer to publish a newspaper on Cuban soil, claiming it was for the benefit of American soldiers, but the real purpose was to __________.

    <p>reap favorable publicity back home</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following individuals with their respective actions during the war:

    <p>Hearst = Pushed for a pro-war stance and covered battles firsthand McKinley = Called for deliberate consideration before acting Pulitzer = Insisted on immediate action from McKinley James Creelman = Reported from the battlefield and got injured</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the nickname of the cartoon character created by Richard Outcault?

    <p>Yellow Kid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'yellow journalism' originated from a collaboration between Hearst and Pulitzer.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was hired as the first 'sob sister' in Hearst's newspaper?

    <p>Annie Laurie</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ rebels were fighting against Spanish rule in Cuba.

    <p>Cuban</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following individuals with their contributions to journalism during the era:

    <p>William Randolph Hearst = Publisher of the Journal and promoter of sensationalism Joseph Pulitzer = Publisher of the World and competitor with Hearst Richard Harding Davis = Reporter sent to cover Cuban affairs Frederic Remington = Artist accompanying Davis to depict events in Cuba</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Hearst tell Richard Harding Davis regarding the coverage of the Cuba situation?

    <p>You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pulitzer initially supported American intervention in Cuba.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What innovative storytelling strategy did Annie Laurie use to gain attention for her reports?

    <p>Collapsed on the street to be taken to a hospital.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Both the Journal and the World relied on __________ and embellished reports to increase circulation.

    <p>sensationalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reported number of daily circulation for Pulitzer's newspaper by 1897?

    <p>800,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Journal and World primarily exploit to gain public attention?

    <p>Sensational headlines and exaggerated stories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The explosion of the USS Maine was definitively proven to be caused by a Spanish attack.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one major characteristic of the coverage by the Journal and World regarding the USS Maine explosion.

    <p>Sensationalism or warmongering headlines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    William Randolph Hearst's paper offered a reward of $__________ for evidence related to the USS Maine explosion.

    <p>50,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the journalistic figures to their respective papers.

    <p>William Randolph Hearst = World Joseph Pulitzer = Journal Hearst = Journal Pulitzer = World</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the public's immediate reaction after the Maine disaster?

    <p>Demand for war against Spain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Both Hearst and Pulitzer prioritized truth over circulation during the coverage of the Cuban conflict.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phrase became a rallying cry in the media after the USS Maine explosion?

    <p>&quot;Remember the Maine!&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The USS Maine explosion occurred on February 15, 1898, killing ________ US sailors.

    <p>260</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the ultimate fate of the Journal in the wake of the sensational coverage of the USS Maine?

    <p>It became the first paper to reach a circulation of over 1 million (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Joseph Pulitzer's new style of journalism?

    <p>Focusing on high-brow, intellectual content (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pulitzer was known for his focus on accuracy in reporting, which was not common in his time.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant reform initiative did Pulitzer lead in St. Louis?

    <p>Exposing fraud at the polls, cleansing the city of brothels, or putting an end to high profits and poor service by gas and streetcar monopolies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pulitzer sent "stunt girl" Nellie Bly on a global adventure to circle the world in ______ days.

    <p>seventy-two</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason William Randolph Hearst pursued a career in journalism?

    <p>He was influenced by Joseph Pulitzer's work and wanted to compete with him. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following newspapers with their respective publishers:

    <p>St. Louis Post-Dispatch = Joseph Pulitzer New York World = Joseph Pulitzer San Francisco Examiner = William Randolph Hearst New York Journal = William Randolph Hearst</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main difference in the backgrounds of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst?

    <p>Pulitzer came from a humble background and had to fight to make his way in the world, while Hearst was born into wealth and privilege.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hearst's approach to journalism involved creating sensational events to entertain readers.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The rivalry between Hearst and Pulitzer became known as the ______ of the newspapers.

    <p>War</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    American Imperialism

    The policy of extending America's influence through territorial acquisitions and economic expansion.

    Yellow Journalism

    A style of sensationalist reporting that prioritizes hype over factual accuracy, often seen in the late 19th century.

    Joseph Pulitzer

    A newspaper publisher who helped define yellow journalism and emphasized sensational news for wider circulation.

    William Randolph Hearst

    A powerful newspaper magnate known for his influential and sensationalist news practices, driving yellow journalism forward.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    USS Maine Explosion

    A mysterious naval incident in 1898 that heightened tensions between the U.S. and Spain, often sensationalized by newspapers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Jingoism

    Extreme patriotism that promotes aggressive foreign policy, often fueled by sensational media coverage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spanish-American War

    A conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain, largely influenced by yellow journalism and public sentiment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hearst's Accusation

    Hearst called McKinley's peace stance 'cowardly,' influenced by financiers fearing market impacts from war.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Navy Report Findings

    The navy concluded a mine destroyed the Maine but couldn't identify its source or potential design flaws.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    McKinley's Pressure

    McKinley faced immense public and press pressure to take action after the Maine disaster.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hearst's Journalism Tactics

    Hearst utilized sensationalism, including fabricated stories, to boost newspaper sales and war popularity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    War Resolution Passage

    On April 19, the U.S. Senate passed a war resolution by a close vote amid growing public sentiment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Yellow Kid

    A cartoon character representing sensationalistic journalism.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hearst vs. Pulitzer

    Two competing newspaper publishers in the late 19th century.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sob sister

    A female journalist focusing on emotional stories.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cuban Rebellion 1895

    Cuban rebels fought against Spanish colonial rule.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hearst's Quote

    'You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.'

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Spanish Brutality Depictions

    Sensational stories depicting harsh actions by Spanish soldiers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Political Firestorm

    Strong political reactions to sensational stories.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dueling Papers' Circulation

    Circulation numbers rose to 800,000 for Pulitzer and 700,000 for Hearst.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Exaggerated news reporting

    Reporting that distorts facts to attract attention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    St. Louis Post-Dispatch

    A newspaper formed by Pulitzer, known for its reform initiatives.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    New York World

    The paper targeted at the urban laboring class by Pulitzer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nellie Bly

    A pioneering female journalist sent on a global adventure by Pulitzer.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    San Francisco Examiner

    The newspaper that Hearst turned into a popular success.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Newspaper War

    The fierce competition between Pulitzer's World and Hearst's Journal.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Emotional Journalism

    Reporting style focused on entertaining and shocking readers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Innovative Techniques

    Methods introduced by Pulitzer and Hearst to attract readers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Circulation Figures

    The number of copies sold or distributed by a newspaper.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Journalistic Distortion

    Reporting that misrepresents facts to influence readers.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cuban Insurrection

    The rebellion in Cuba against Spanish rule from 1895 to 1898.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    USS Maine

    A US battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hearst's Coverage

    Sensational reporting by William Randolph Hearst following the Maine disaster.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pulitzer's Response

    Joseph Pulitzer quickly backed Hearst's claims after the Maine explosion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    “Remember the Maine!”

    A rallying cry promoting war against Spain following the explosion.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Public Fury

    Intense national anger induced by sensational news coverage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Screaming Headlines

    Sensational newspaper titles designed to grab attention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Impact on McKinley

    Media-induced pressure on President McKinley regarding war.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    American Imperialism and Journalism

    • American imperialism and journalistic innovation collided at the end of the 19th century, creating a period of intense sensationalism in the news media.
    • The US desired global power and expanded its reach geographically and economically.
    • Journalism sought to increase readership in the burgeoning population.
    • Entrepreneurs saw journalism as a profitable frontier.

    Yellow Journalism

    • Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst revolutionized journalism.
    • Their intense rivalry fostered "yellow journalism," a blend of news and sensationalism.
    • This approach fuelled a circulation war between their newspapers.
    • Hearst, largely to increase circulation, championed the Cuban rebels against Spanish rule.
    • Pulitzer later joined in this campaign, leading to unethical and irresponsible reporting practices, including distortion of events and misinformation.

    The USS Maine Explosion

    • The 1898 explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor prompted intense nationalistic fervor.
    • Yellow journalism exploited public anger and fear.
    • Hearst's newspaper, the Journal, ran inflammatory headlines, misleading illustrations, and offered a reward for information about the incident's cause, which was widely reported as Spanish sabotage.
    • Pulitzer's newspaper, the World, also reported on the incident, though not with the same degree of sensationalism as Hearst's.

    Impact of Yellow Journalism

    • The intense coverage by the yellow journals helped propel the US into the Spanish-American War.
    • The public frenzy regarding the Maine explosion pushed President McKinley to abandon his anti-war stance.
    • Prominent newspapers like the New York Evening Post denounced yellow journalism as unethical and harmful to the nation.

    Joseph Pulitzer

    • Born in 1847 in Hungary, Pulitzer immigrated to the US and served in the Civil War.
    • He spearheaded a new style of journalism targeting a wider audience.
    • His newspapers (e.g., St. Louis Post-Dispatch, New York World) focused on accuracy and addressing community needs.
    • He emphasized clarity and conciseness in his writing style.
    • Innovative publishing approaches included striking visuals and dramatic headlines to increase readership.
    • Pulitzer's New York World was the most popular newspaper.
    • He used stunt journalism, like sending Nellie Bly around the world, to attract readership.

    William Randolph Hearst

    • Born in 1863 in California, Hearst came from a wealthy family.
    • He worked at the New York World, then the failing San Francisco Examiner.
    • He revitalized the Examiner, significantly increasing its circulation and popularity.
    • He expanded its focus on sports, society, and financial matters.
    • To appeal to a mass audience, Hearst often sensationalized news events.

    Hearst and Pulitzer's Circulation War

    • The Journal and World engaged in a contentious circulation war.
    • Both publishers used shocking headlines, illustrations and other dramatic techniques.
    • They used the "Yellow Kid" cartoon, originally by the World's artist, to achieve greater readership and popularity.

    The Cuban Crisis

    • The Cuban rebels' struggle against Spanish rule caught the attention of the US.
    • Hearst's Journal championed the Cuban cause as a rebellion against oppression.
    • Hearst exaggerated accounts of Spanish brutality.
    • Reporters actively participated in creating sensational accounts of atrocities.
    • Pulitzer and Hearst used these accounts to increase their readership.

    The Role of the Press in the War

    • Hearst and Pulitzer's sensational reporting directly influenced public opinion and pressure on President McKinley.
    • Hearst portrayed McKinley's peace stance as cowardly.
    • Yellow journalism swayed public opinion towards war.
    • The press exerted significant control on public opinion, influencing critical decisions.

    McKinley's Decision

    • McKinley initially sought to avoid war but faced overwhelming public pressure.
    • Hearst's pro-war rhetoric and sensationalism had a major impact on McKinley.
    • The Yellow newspapers led public opinion and pressured McKinley into support for war.
    • McKinley eventually supported war, bowing to press pressure.

    Results and Legacy

    • The Spanish-American War was a significant conflict.
    • Hundreds of US soldiers and sailors died in the war.
    • Spain granted Cuba its independence, but ceded the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico as American colonies.
    • Hearst's journalistic actions had a huge impact on US foreign policy and the media's ability to influence public opinion.

    Legacy of Shame

    • The sensationalistic reporting had many negative consequences.
    • Historians and participants criticized Hearst and Pulitzer for the war's cause.
    • Hearst's actions became a symbol of sensational journalism's negative influence.
    • The war highlighted the media's ability to mobilize public opinion towards war.

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore the intersection of American imperialism and journalism at the turn of the 20th century. This quiz covers the sensationalism spurred by key figures like Pulitzer and Hearst, and the impact of the USS Maine explosion on public opinion and media practices. Test your knowledge on this pivotal era in American history.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser