Spanish-American War and American Imperialism

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the main outcomes of the Treaty of Paris in 1898?

Cuba gained independence from Spain

U.S. gain of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines (correct)

Establishment of the League of Nations

The end of the Spanish-American War

Which argument was made by the Anti-Imperialist League against U.S. imperialism?

Spreading democratic ideals globally

The need for strategic military bases

The hypocrisy of denying self-determination (correct)

Expansion of economic trade opportunities

What significant construction project did the U.S. undertake in Panama?

Panama Canal (correct)

Coastal Highway

Transcontinental Railroad

Panama Bridge

Which event triggered America's entry into World War I?

Zimmerman Telegram Signup and view all the answers

How did World War I influence the role of women in the United States?

Encouraged women to take on jobs traditionally held by men Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919?

Imposed reparations on Germany Signup and view all the answers

What did the 19th Amendment achieve?

Granted women the right to vote Signup and view all the answers

Which legal case limited free speech during wartime in the U.S.?

Schenck v. U.S. Signup and view all the answers

The Fourteenth Amendment, passed by Congress in 1868, talks about

It ended slavery in America Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for immigration to America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

Famine and economic opportunity Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant impact of the Transcontinental Railroad?

Facilitated westward expansion Signup and view all the answers

What characterized horizontal integration as practiced by industrialists like Rockefeller?

Acquiring competitors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a significant issue faced by workers during industrialization?

Long hours and low wages Signup and view all the answers

What was a negative impact of political machines on American society?

Corruption and bribery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a goal of the Populist Party?

Regulation of railroads Signup and view all the answers

Who was the key figure associated with the Populist Party, known for his 'Cross of Gold' speech?

William Jennings Bryan Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern highlighted by muckrakers like Upton Sinclair?

Unsafe food production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spanish-American War and Empire Building

The Spanish-American War started due to the sinking of the USS Maine, yellow journalism, and America's desire to liberate Cuba.
The Treaty of Paris (1898) granted the U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking the beginning of American imperialism.

Controversy Over New Colonies

Arguments for imperialism included economic benefits (trade, resources); strategic military bases; and the "White Man's Burden" to spread democracy.
Opponents, like Mark Twain, argued that acquiring colonies was hypocritical and ethically problematic, violating the principle of self-determination.

America's Role in Panama

The U.S. supported Panama's independence from Colombia to build the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
This demonstrated American global influence but involved controversial interventionism.

America's Role as a Superpower

Colonial rule in the Philippines was harsh, leading to conflict (Philippine-American War).
Limited self-rule was granted in Puerto Rico.
Involvement in the Spanish-American War and WWI showcased America's complicated balance between freedom ideals and imperialistic actions.

Reasons for America Entering WWI

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare, including the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zimmerman Telegram (proposal to Mexico) contributed.
Economic ties to the Allies (trade and loans) also played a role.
U.S. officially declared war on April 6, 1917.

Impact of WWI on Different Groups

Women: Took on male-dominated jobs, stimulating the suffrage movement.
African Americans: Migrated north for war jobs, facing discrimination but contributing to segregated units.
Propaganda: Encouraged patriotism, and war support.
Immigrants: Experienced suspicion and anti-German sentiment.
Anti-War Movements: Dissent was suppressed by the Espionage and Sedition Acts.

How WWI Ended and Its Impact

WWI ended with an armistice on November 11, 1918.
The Treaty of Versailles held Germany responsible and imposed reparations.
The League of Nations was proposed (but the U.S. did not join), and unresolved tensions helped set the stage for WWII.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in 1920.
Women's wartime contributions influenced public opinion.

Schenck v. U.S. and Labor During the War

Schenck v. U.S. (1919) upheld the Espionage Act, limiting free speech during wartime if it posed a "clear and present danger."
Wartime production increased demand for workers, resulting in shifts in labor demographics, with women and minorities filling new roles.

Immigrant Life in America

Reasons for immigration: Famine, persecution, poverty, and seeking opportunity.
Challenges faced: Language barriers, overcrowded tenements, poor working conditions, discrimination (e.g., nativism), and differing experiences at entry points.
Key entry points like Ellis Island (Europeans primarily) and Angel Island (Asians primarily) differed in processing and treatment.

Transcontinental Railroad & Chinese Discrimination

Impact of the railroad: Connected the country, boosted trade, and allowed westward expansion.
Discrimination: Chinese workers, crucial to railroad construction, were paid less, faced dangerous conditions, and experienced violence.
Chinese Exclusion Act (1882): Banned Chinese laborers; limited rights and family unification.

Industrialization and Monopolies

Horizontal Integration: Buying out competitors (e.g., Rockefeller and Standard Oil).
Vertical Integration: Controlling all production stages (e.g., Carnegie and U.S. Steel).
Robber Barons: Greedy industrialists exploiting workers (e.g., Rockefeller).
Captains of Industry: Visionary leaders improving society (e.g., Carnegie’s philanthropy).

Worker Problems

Issues faced: Long hours, low wages, dangerous conditions, and child labor.
Unions: Knights of Labor, American Federation of Labor (AFL).
Strikes: Homestead Strike, Pullman Strike.

Political Machines

Good impacts: Provided jobs, infrastructure, and helped immigrants.
Bad impacts: Corruption, bribery, and election manipulation (e.g., Tammany Hall and Boss Tweed).

Populist Party & Farmers

Farmer struggles: Debt, railroad overcharges, and crop price deflation.
Populist goals: Regulation of railroads, free silver, and fair labor laws.
William Jennings Bryan: Key figure (Cross of Gold speech).

Muckrakers and Reforms

Key muckrakers:
- Upton Sinclair: The Jungle (meatpacking horrors).
- Jacob Riis: How the Other Half Lives (urban poverty).
- Ida Tarbell: Exposed Standard Oil abuses.
Impact: Sparked public demand for reforms.

Progress of the Progressive Era

Laws passed: Meat Inspection Act, Pure Food and Drug Act.
Presidential action: Roosevelt’s trust-busting and conservation efforts.
Social improvements: Women’s suffrage, urban sanitation, and education reforms.

Civil Rights Issues and Leaders

Leaders:
- Booker T. Washington: Advocated vocational education and gradual change.
- W.E.B. Du Bois: Demanded immediate equality, co-founded NAACP.
Issues: Segregation (Jim Crow laws), lynching, disenfranchisement.

Urbanization Problems

Challenges: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, crime, and fire hazards.
Reforms: Settlement houses (e.g., Hull House by Jane Addams), city planning efforts.

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Description

Explore the key events and controversies surrounding the Spanish-American War and America's rise as an imperial power. This quiz covers the motivations for imperialism, opposition arguments, and America's strategic actions in places like Panama. Test your knowledge on how these events shaped the United States' role on the global stage.