Imperialism and Key Figures in History

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Questions and Answers

Which of these events significantly contributed to heightened Western influence in China?

The implementation of Dollar Diplomacy.

The suppression of the Boxer Rebellion. (correct)

The completion of the Panama Canal.

The raids led by Francisco 'Pancho' Villa.

What was a primary consequence of the United States' involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal?

The separation of Panama from Colombia. (correct)

Reduced American economic interest in the region.

Increased cooperation between Latin America and the U.S.

The strengthening of Colombian governance.

The Roosevelt Corollary is best described as:

An agreement for mutual economic development.

A justification for U.S. intervention in Latin America. (correct)

An extension of Dollar Diplomacy.

A rejection of the Monroe Doctrine.

Which U.S. foreign policy initiative under President Taft focused on using economic power to further national interests?

Dollar Diplomacy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main outcome of the U.S. military expedition into Mexico in 1916, led by John J. Pershing?

It demonstrated the complex nature of U.S. involvement in Latin America (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Alfred T. Mahan's influential work?

The critical role of sea power in foreign policy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is William Seward most known for as Secretary of State?

Purchasing Alaska from Russia. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What led to Queen Liliuokalani's removal from power?

A collaboration between American businessmen, plantation owners and U.S. military forces. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was Sanford Dole's role after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy?

He was the first President of the Republic of Hawaii. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pearl Harbor become strategically important to the United States?

Its location was ideal for controlling the Pacific, especially after the annexation of Hawaii. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Jose Marti's primary contribution to Cuban history?

His influence as a writer and inspiration for the Cuban independence movement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Valeriano Weyler's role in Cuba before the Spanish-American War?

A Spanish general known for his brutal tactics and use of concentration camps. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did yellow journalism influence the Spanish-American War?

It promoted sensationalized news coverage which fueled public support for American intervention. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the USS Maine explosion?

It served as a major catalyst for the Spanish-American War. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of George Dewey's victory in the Battle of Manila Bay?

It established American control over the Philippines. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best describes the Rough Riders?

They were a volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt, famous for their charge up San Juan Hill. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major outcome of the Treaty of Paris?

The United States gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Foraker Act?

To establish a civilian government in Puerto Rico under U.S. control. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main effect of the Platt Amendment on Cuba?

It made Cuba a U.S. protectorate by giving the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Open Door notes?

To ensure equal trade opportunities for all nations in China. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these descriptions best explains the American 'protectorate' model?

A stronger country offering protection while exerting control over a weaker country. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Imperialism

Policy of expanding a country's power, often through diplomacy or military force, dominating other nations
Significant global phenomenon in late 19th and early 20th centuries
Major powers aimed to expand territories and influence

Alfred T. Mahan

Naval historian, argued sea power was crucial for a strong foreign policy
Influenced American military planning, spurred a worldwide naval race
"The Influence of Sea Power upon History" had significant impact on global politics and naval strategies

William Seward

American politician, Secretary of State in the 1860s
Strong advocate for American expansion
Negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 (initially called "Seward's Folly")
Alaska later proven to be a valuable acquisition

Queen Liliuokalani

Last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii
Overthrown in 1893 by American businessmen and plantation owners, with support from U.S. military
Her overthrow was a significant step towards U.S. annexation of Hawaii

Sanford Dole

American lawyer and jurist
Became the first president of the Republic of Hawaii after the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy
Served as first territorial governor of Hawaii after annexation by the U.S.

Pearl Harbor

Naval base in Hawaii
Became a key strategic location for the U.S. in the Pacific after U.S. annexation of Hawaii
Famous for Japanese attack in 1941

Jose Marti

Cuban nationalist leader and writer
Played key role in Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain
His ideas and writing inspired the Cuban revolutionary movement in the late 19th century

Valeriano Weyler

Spanish general
Known for brutal tactics in Cuba during Cuban War of Independence
Harsh policies, including concentration camps, fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in the U.S.
Contributed to American intervention

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist and exaggerated reporting style
Prevalent in American newspapers during the 1890s
Played a significant role in drumming up public support for the Spanish-American War

USS Maine

American naval ship that exploded in Havana harbor in 1898
Blamed on Spain, without clear evidence, served as a catalyst for the Spanish-American War

George Dewey

American naval commander
Led the U.S. Asiatic Squadron to victory over the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay
Crucial in establishing American control over the Philippines

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry regiment
Led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War
Famous charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba became a symbol of American heroism and imperialism

San Juan Hill

Site of a significant battle during the Spanish-American War
American forces, including the Rough Riders, defeated Spanish troops
Helped secure American control over Cuba

Treaty of Paris

1898 agreement that ended the Spanish-American War
Spain ceded control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.
Marked the emergence of the U.S. as a colonial power

Foraker Act

1900 law establishing a civilian government in Puerto Rico under U.S. control
Key step in defining Puerto Rico's status as an unincorporated territory of the U.S.

Platt Amendment

Set of provisions added to the Cuban constitution in 1901
Gave the U.S. right to intervene in Cuban affairs and established a naval base at Guantanamo Bay
Effectively made Cuba a U.S. protectorate

Protectorate

Relationship between two countries where a stronger power offers protection to a weaker state
Often involves significant control over the weaker state's foreign policy and economy

Emilio Aguinaldo

Filipino revolutionary leader
Fought against Spanish rule, later led the Filipino resistance against American occupation
His capture in 1901 marked a turning point in the Philippine-American War

John Hay

U.S. Secretary of State
Author of the Open Door notes
Played a significant role in shaping American foreign policy during the Age of Imperialism

Open Door notes

Statements issued by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay in 1899 and 1900
Called for equal opportunity for international trade in China
Important aspect of U.S. economic imperialism in Asia

Boxer Rebellion

Anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian uprising in China
Between 1899 and 1901
Suppressed by an international coalition that included the U.S.
Further solidified Western influence in China

Panama Canal

Strategic waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Completed in 1914
Major feat of American engineering and imperialism
Involved U.S.-backed separation of Panama from Colombia

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine announced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904
Asserted the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests

Dollar Diplomacy

Foreign policy initiative under President William Howard Taft
Sought to use American economic power to further U.S. interests abroad, particularly in Latin America and East Asia

Francisco "Pancho" Villa

Mexican revolutionary general
Led raids into the United States, prompting a U.S. military expedition into Mexico in 1916
Highlighted the complexities of U.S. involvement in Latin America

John J. Pershing

American general
Led the Punitive Expedition into Mexico in pursuit of Pancho Villa
Later commanded American forces in Europe during World War I
Career exemplifies the transition of the U.S. from a regional to a global power

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Description

Explore the significant themes of imperialism and the influential figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This quiz covers policies, key individuals like Alfred T. Mahan and William Seward, and pivotal events that shaped global power dynamics. Test your knowledge of how imperialism impacted nations and their histories.