IB HOA Expansionism & Spanish American War Theories & Historian Perspectives

Flashcards testing knowledge on historian perspectives, theories, and key historical figures surrounding late 19th-century US expansionism and the Spanish-American War.

What did Frederick Jackson Turner argue in his thesis regarding the American frontier and US foreign expansion?

He argued in 'Significance of the Frontier in American History' that the westward frontier was crucial in shaping American characteristics like self-sufficiency, energy, and egalitarianism, and that the closure of the frontier in 1890 suggested the US might look for new frontiers abroad.

What were the main strategic concepts proposed by Alfred Thayer Mahan?

He emphasized the importance of sea power and a strong navy with overseas bases for national strength and growth, believed military success depended on offensive action, and saw Germany as a potential enemy.

How did William Langer explain 'preclusive imperialism'?

He defined it as a concept where countries acquire colonies to prevent other powers from doing so, citing the US fear of German expansion in Samoa as an example.

What arguments did George C. Herring make regarding the Yellow Press, McKinley, and the Open Door policy?

He suggested politicians may have manipulated the Yellow Press to justify a pre-decided war, argued McKinley strategically planned for war against Spain as a weak foe, and contended the Open Door policy was aimed at capturing the China market rather than saving China.

What perspective did Louis Pérez Jr. offer regarding US intervention in Cuba and the sinking of the Maine?

Offering a Cuban perspective, he argued the US intervened to gain control because it feared Cuba achieving independence on its own, and viewed the sinking of the Maine as a pretext used by McKinley's government to drive public opinion toward a desired war.

What explanation did Carl Degler give in the 1950s for US intervention in Cuba?

He emphasized economic motives following the 1893 depression and the need for foreign markets, along with genuine concerns regarding Spanish atrocities.

Why did Harold Evans argue in 'The American Century' that the US never actively sought a large empire?

Writing in 1998, he called US acquisitions 'accidental', noted exports were only a small part of the GNP, and cited the narrow vote for the annexation of the Philippines as evidence of a lack of strong imperial ambition.

What significance did H.W. Brands attribute to the Spanish-American-Cuban War?

He argued the war marked the entry of the US into the ranks of Great Powers by showing its willingness to use power beyond immediate security, and stated that American progressivism simply went international.

How did Kristin L. Hoganson analyze the US motives for war from a gendered perspective?

She suggested a sense of threatened 'manliness' due to the closed frontier and the rise of assertive women drove war desires, with Cuba depicted as an imperiled maiden to trigger a chivalric impulse among men.

According to Laura Rodríguez, why was Spain determined to maintain control over Cuba?

Writing in 1998 from a Spanish perspective, she argued the Spanish government and people were determined to keep Cuba for national honor and feared a domestic military coup if they relinquished it.

How did Jaime de Ojeda explain the Spanish Prime Minister's stance prior to the war?

From a Spanish viewpoint, he agreed the Prime Minister had no choice but to fight the US to prevent a military revolt in Spain, while noting the Spanish press fueled anti-American sentiment.

What role did Rudyard Kipling's work play in US imperial policy regarding the Philippines?

His poem 'The White Man's Burden' reflected and promoted the idea that the US had a responsibility to govern and uplift the people of the Philippines.

What view did Walter LaFeber present in 1993 concerning President McKinley's actions toward Cuba?

He argued McKinley long desired Cuba for US investment and trade, strategically leading the nation to war while appearing to follow public opinion and allowing Spain time to respond.

How did David J. Silby view the annexation of the Philippines in his 2008 writing?

He viewed it as a culmination of imperialistic reasons that marked the transition of the US from a frontier state to a global state and world power.

What phrase did Samuel Flagg Bemis use in 1936 to describe the US acquisition of the Philippines?

He considered the acquisition of the Philippines to be 'the Great Aberration' in US history.

What did David Traxel argue regarding the events of 1898?

He argued that the events of 1898 were crucial in molding the US into a Great Power and fostering a common national identity and purpose.

How did Walter A. McDougall explain the motivation for US imperialism in 1997?

He suggested religious sentiment was key to gaining support for the war and described US imperialism as an extension of domestic progressive policies ('imperialism of righteousness') aimed at improving lives abroad.

How did Niall Ferguson compare US imperialism to European imperialism in 'American Colossus'?

In his 2003 book, he argued US imperialism shared similarities with European imperialism in pursuing trade and using power, but differed due to narrower political support (confined to northern political elites) and greater questioning of the economic value of colonies.

What primary driver did Ernest R. May identify for the annexation of the Philippines in the 1960s?

He argued that President McKinley's decision to annex the Philippines was primarily driven by public opinion, suggesting that the nation as a whole seemed to have chosen imperialism.

According to William A. Williams, how did the US pursue its primary motive for expansion?

He argued the need for markets was the primary motive, which was pursued through 'Open Door' policies and an 'informal empire' rather than traditional colonization.

How did Arthur Schlesinger Jr. challenge typical economic arguments for colonialism?

He questioned economic motivations by using Samoa as an example to show that acquiring impoverished regions as markets for US goods was illogical.

What historical observation did Ralph Emerson make regarding American attitudes toward foreign conquest?

He noted that, with the exception of the period around the Spanish-American War, the American people had generally shown a repugnance towards conquering distant lands and ruling over foreign peoples.