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Questions and Answers
What was one of the main objectives of America's imperialism during the late 1800s?
What was one of the main objectives of America's imperialism during the late 1800s?
What is imperialism?
What is imperialism?
Empire-building facilitated by capitalism
What characterized a powerful nation during the period of imperialism?
What characterized a powerful nation during the period of imperialism?
Advanced economy, strong government, and military power
The Monroe Doctrine supported European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
The Monroe Doctrine supported European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
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Which recommendation did Alfred T. Mahan suggest for U.S. expansion?
Which recommendation did Alfred T. Mahan suggest for U.S. expansion?
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The acquisition of _____ in 1867 is often referred to as 'Seward's Folly.'
The acquisition of _____ in 1867 is often referred to as 'Seward's Folly.'
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The Spanish-American War occurred in 1898.
The Spanish-American War occurred in 1898.
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What was a primary cause of the Spanish-American War?
What was a primary cause of the Spanish-American War?
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What policy helped establish good relations between the U.S. and Latin America?
What policy helped establish good relations between the U.S. and Latin America?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Study Notes
America’s Imperialism Objective
- America’s increasing population and industrial production in the late 1800s and early 1900s led them to look beyond their continental borders.
- The need for more resources, overseas markets to sell goods, and competition with Europe for overseas empires fueled American Imperialism.
Imperialism
- The expansion of one’s territory is a significant characteristic of imperialism.
- A powerful nation will control a less advanced or less civilized area, characterized by a strong government, military power, and an advanced economy.
"Less Advanced" Nation
- These nations are characterized as primitive, underdeveloped, and weak governments with limited military power.
The Rise of European Imperialism
- The Industrial Revolution led to European imperialism, a period of overseas territorial expansion by European powers, the U.S., and Japan.
- Capitalism needs raw materials and markets to survive, which fueled the rise of European Imperialism.
- Africa became a target of industrialized Europe in the late 1800s.
- In the Far East, European nations sought to establish spheres of influence in China and Southeastern Asia.
Policy of Isolation
- Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) outlined the U.S. policy of no involvement in foreign affairs or permanent alliances.
- The Monroe Doctrine (1823) declared that there would be no more European Colonization in the Western Hemisphere, making it clear the United States would not interfere in European affairs.
- Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States should expand its territory from “sea to shining sea.”
ALFERD T. MAHAN
- The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890) advocated for an expansionist/imperialist approach to world dominance by controlling the sea.
- Mahan’s beliefs spurred the great naval race among the great powers, ultimately leading to America’s involvement in World War 1.
Mahan’s US Recommendations
- Mahan argued for a large steel navy.
- He believed establishing strategically located “coaling stations” was necessary to protect U.S. trading interests.
- He advocated for the construction of a Middle American canal to speed up trade and military access.
Justifications for Imperialism
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Economic:
- access to natural resources
- markets to sell goods
- the potential for large profits with little risk
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Social Darwinism:
- American democratic government, race, and culture was the world’s “fittest” (superior) and should spread to every land.
-
Christianity:
- Missionaries, often women, went into countries to spread Christianity, providing a moral undertone to imperialism..
The U.S. in the Pacific
- In 1867, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.
- The purchase is known as “Seward’s Folly,” after Secretary of State William Seward.
- Midway Island (1867) and Wake Island (1898) were claimed because other countries did not see them as valuable.
Gunboat Diplomacy
- In 1899, the U.S. gained control of part of the Samoan Islands and Pago-Pago Harbor.
- Both Germany and the U.S. wanted control, nearly leading to war.
- A diplomatic solution divided the islands.
U.S. Imperialism in Latin America
- The Monroe Doctrine was used to protect Latin America from European powers, creating a “Big Sister Policy".
- The goal was to open up trade for U.S. businesses.
- The Olney Corollary declared the U.S. in control of the Western Hemisphere.
The Spanish-American War
- The Spanish-American War occurred in 1898.
- This war was fought between Spain and the United States.
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Description
This quiz explores the factors that contributed to America's imperialistic policies in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It covers the concepts of imperialism, the motivations behind expansion, and comparisons with European practices. Test your knowledge on this pivotal aspect of U.S. history.
