imperialism test

Pros of imperialism

New markets and resources; military bases; spread of American values and democracy; national prestige.

Cons of imperialism

Loss of sovereignty for others; conflict and resistance; hypocrisy vs democratic ideals; racial/cultural oppression.

Economic arguments for imperialism

Need markets for goods; raw materials; investment opportunities abroad.

Military arguments for imperialism

Control of naval bases; Alfred Thayer Mahan’s influence; power projection.

Cultural/moral arguments for imperialism

“White Man’s Burden”; Social Darwinism; missionary zeal to civilize.

Why industrial powers turned to imperialism

Industrial growth required more resources/consumers; nationalism; competition; belief in superiority.

How the US was viewed as inheritor of British empire

Modeled foreign expansion; claimed moral mission; smaller scale but similar motives.

How the US balanced expansion with constitutional ideals

Promoted democracy abroad while denying rights to colonial populations; led to internal debate.

Main causes leading US into Spanish-American War

Cuban revolt; USS Maine explosion; yellow journalism; economic and strategic interests.

Role of public opinion in pushing the US toward war

Emotional stories and pressure from citizens; “Remember the Maine!” slogan; widespread support.

Role of the press (yellow journalism)

Sensationalized, exaggerated or false reports to sell papers; mobilized support for war.

Influence of Hearst & Pulitzer

Exaggerated Spanish cruelty stories; stirred emotional reaction and pressure on govt.

Role of geography in US imperial expansion

Strategic locations (Cuba, Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico) for naval reach and influence.

Territories gained by the US in 1898 War

Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico; Cuba gained nominal independence under US terms.

Effects of the war on Spain and the US

Spain lost empire; US emerged as a world power; domestic debate over empire intensified.

Teddy Roosevelt’s role in the war

Led Rough Riders at San Juan Hill; became national hero; later used “Big Stick” diplomacy.

How US intervention helped other countries

Built schools, hospitals, infrastructure; modernized some systems.

How US intervention harmed other countries

Suppressed independence movements (e.g. Philippines); economic exploitation; cultural domination.

Roosevelt’s foreign policy style

Big Stick – diplomacy backed by strong military power.

Taft’s foreign policy style

Dollar Diplomacy – use US economic power/investment to influence foreign nations.

Wilson’s foreign policy style

Moral Diplomacy – promote democracy and moral principles, though still intervened militarily.

Arguments for US embracing imperialism

Economic growth, global standing, ability to compete with other powers, spreading values.

Arguments against US embracing imperialism

Violation of self-determination, risk of conflict, hypocrisy relative to founding ideals.

Key US foreign policy actions from 1880–1914

Monroe Doctrine + Roosevelt Corollary; Panama Canal; interventions in Latin America; expansion in Pacific.

Major US acquisitions in this era

Alaska (1867); Hawaii (1898); Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico (1898); Panama Canal Zone.

How America’s global image might change in future

Could improve via cooperation & diplomacy; could worsen due to interventionism or contradictions in policy.

How the world views America today

Powerful, innovative, culturally influential; also criticized for interventions, inequality, and perceived hypocrisy.