Imperialism Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What is imperialism?

Extending their influence and power over other countries.

What are some examples of imperialism? (Select all that apply)

Controlling business (correct)

Creating new religions

Influencing politics (correct)

Setting boundaries (correct)

Where did America extend its reach to gain control of land? (Select all that apply)

Africa

European countries

Latin America (correct)

Pacific Islands (correct)

What is 'Manifest Destiny'?

The belief that the US was destined to expand across North America with God's blessing. Signup and view all the answers

What are some reasons for imperialism? (Select all that apply)

Business interests Signup and view all the answers

What is jingoism?

National pride that the US is better than other countries. Signup and view all the answers

What did social Darwinism supporters believe?

White people were biologically superior to people of other races. Signup and view all the answers

Why did American plantation owners want to colonize Hawaii?

Hawaii would be rich because they have sugar and pineapples. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Hawaii attract the interest of the US Navy?

It is the center of the Pacific Ocean. Signup and view all the answers

What did expansionists predict?

Predicted that the growth of American businesses would continue. Signup and view all the answers

What did anti-expansionists believe that expanding into other lands would do?

Taking away the right to freedom. Signup and view all the answers

Match the three concerns of anti-expansionists with their descriptions:

Ethics = Moral implications of imperialism Costs = Economic burdens of expansion Conflict = Potential for wars and disputes Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Louisiana Purchase?

The US gained control of the Mississippi River by paying 15 million dollars. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Imperialism Overview

Imperialism involves extending influence and power over other nations.
Examples include controlling businesses, influencing political decisions, and establishing borders.

American Imperial Expansion

Expansion occurred in the Pacific Islands and Latin America.
The belief in "Manifest Destiny" held that the US was destined to expand across North America, believed to be divinely ordained.

Motivations Behind Imperialism

Key reasons for expansion include business interests, a sense of national superiority known as jingoism, and the ideology of social Darwinism.
Jingoism promotes the idea of national pride, suggesting US superiority over other nations.
Social Darwinism posited that white individuals were biologically superior.

Hawaii's Strategic Importance

American plantation owners sought to colonize Hawaii due to its fertile land for sugar and pineapples.
Hawaii's location as the center of the Pacific Ocean made it strategically valuable for the US Navy.

Predictions and Concerns Regarding Expansion

Expansionists predicted that American businesses would flourish through territorial growth.
Anti-expansionists argued that expanding into new territories would undermine the principle of freedom, raising concerns over ethics, costs, and potential conflicts.

Historical Context of Territorial Expansion

The establishment of the 13 colonies began in the 1600s through British and Dutch settlement efforts in North America.
British taxation and governance prompted colonial resistance, highlighted by the slogan "no taxation without representation."
Following a series of conflicts, the colonies gained independence to form the United States, with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 securing control over the Mississippi River for $15 million.

Description

Explore the concept of imperialism and its significance in history. This quiz covers definitions, examples, and the motivations behind American expansionism, including the idea of Manifest Destiny. Test your knowledge on how imperialism shaped global dynamics.