Unit 1 - U.S. History II

Unit 1 Test - Date: 9/16/25 - U.S. History II

Sphere of Influence

An area in whihowed ch an outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges

• A way of expansion that is a form of imperialism

EX: A small business's influence over its local community

Protectorate

A country of territory with it’s own internal government but, under the control of an outside power

• Provided the U.S. with strategic and economic benefits, access to markets and, majority control of the forge in country/territory

EX:The relationship between the United States and Cuba from 1903 to 1934, where Cuba was technically independent but under significant U.S. control over its foreign affairs and domestic policies

Alfred T. Mahan

Wrote The Influence of Sea Power Upon History in 1890. Explained that prosperous nations had a large fleet of merchants ships to trade and, a navy to defend the nation’s trade

• Senators Henry Cabot Lodge & Albert J. Beveridge used to support a new navy

• President Theodore Roosevelt also used this to support a new navy

• Persuaded Americans that a strong navy was essential dfor economic success/imperialism

Crisis in Samoa

America controls the Samoa Island due to their trade perspective. They believe that they need a place to refuel their ships.

• Result: Interest in building the navy. American Samoa and, German Samoa

• Illustrated U.S. growing conquest for naval power and economic influence. (In this case the Pacific). Showed America’s willingness to compete with high imperial countries.

Commodore Mathew C. Perry

Opened Japan for trade, which was commanded by President Millard Fillmore in 1852 to negotiate.

• Japan/Asian countries feared U.S. modern warships and the West (America)

• The negation caused the Treaty of Kanazawa

  • Gave U.S. trading rights at 2 Japanese ports (Exclusive rights to the U.S.)

• Due to America’s high power → Caused Japan abandoned some of its past policies to trade with the West. Showed the U.S. superior military force, a crucial expansion for its influence in the Pacific.

Acquisition of Hawaii

U.S. needed Hawaii due to its positioned ports, sugarcane and, its soon to be U.S. naval ports at Pearl Harbor

1875: Treaty was created to remove sugarcane, tariffs → boosted Hawaii’s economy (Led to the bases in Pearl Harbor)

1887: Planters & Sanford Dole forced the Hawaii King to sign a constitution limiting his powers

• Queen Liliuokalani tried to restore monarchy → Was overthrown by planters and Dole became president

• President Cleveland disapproved Hawaii’s annexation (Due to his dislike of imperialism) Later, President McKinley annex Hawaii during his term

• Showed how America extends their political and economic power over forge in territory. (Driven mostly by economic power/interest) Explained Americas conquest for Pacific Land.

Cuban Revolt

Cuban nationalist wanted to overthrow Spanish colonial rule. The Spanish trusted Cubans harshly.

1895: Cubans sabotaged plantations to provoke Spanish withdrawal or U.S. involvement

• Created a conflict that drew U.S. in Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain

Teller Amendment

April 20, 1898 (2 months later) Authorized war on Spain, America is now allowed to send in troops

• Declared that U.S. had no intention of taking political control of Cuba & stated that the U.S. would allow Cuba people to control their own government post-war

• The final that pushed America to war (After the De Lome Letter)

RESULT of Treaty of Paris (1898): Cuba

Spain gave up control of Cuba but, U.S. military stayed their until conditions were able to be selfed-governed

RESULT of Treaty of Paris (1898): Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico was surrendered by Spain and, had a new colonial relationship with the U.S.

RESULT of Treaty of Paris (1898): Guam

After the dispute between Spain and Puerto Rice, Guam became a U.S. territory

• BUT, even though it became a U.S. territory, Guamanians cannot vote for president

RESULT of Treaty of Paris (1898): Philippines

Spain sold Philippines to America (Fake War). America also gained control of Manila Bay

Platt Amendment

Senator Orville submitted the amendment after McKinley promised independence.

1. Cannot make any treaty with another nation that can weaken independence

2. Allow U.S. to buy or lease naval stations in Cuba

3. Debts needed to be low to prevent foreign countries from landing troops to make them pay

4. U.S. would have the right to protect Cuban independence and keep order

• The amendment made Cuba an American protectorate until it was canceled in 1934

• Allowed America to increase their economic and political intrerest/power

Pan-Americanism

Political investment that strengthens U.S. economics. U.S. investment to North/Central/South America to from alliances

• A justification tool for imperialism, which allowed political/economic dominance

Foraker Act

A U.S. law that established a civilian government for Puerto Rico. “Unorganized Territory” of United States

• A key expansion in policies and imperialism for the U.S.

Tampico Incident

American soldiers were arrested by Mexican Gov. for entering off-limit areas in Tampico, Tamaulipas.

• Released by U.S. naval commander Henry T

• Showed the U.S. extended powers abroad to protect themself and, its influence over Mexican policies

Mexican Revolution

Major uprising where Mexican fought to end dictatorship, gain land reform and, create a democratic government

• U.S. got involver only because they wanted to protect their economic interest and, influence

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway through Panama that connects the Atlantic/Pacific Ocean. Built by U.S. to increase trade/military movement

• The canal was finished in 1914 (Aprox. 10 years)

1903: U.S. offered $$$ to Colombia → Colombia said no and, Colombian & Panamanians tension increased

November 1903: U.S. warships & Panama revolted and gained independence from Colombia. Panama and U.S. signed a treaty (Hay-Herran Treaty) allowing the canal to be built (51-Mile Canal)

• Geopolitical strategy that allowed U.S. to be known as “the most powerful nation of Earth”

Big Stick Policy

Theodore Roosevelt, Used peaceful negotions but, back it up with military force

“Speak softly and carry a big stick”

EX: America’s involvement during Panama Canal

Dollar Diplomacy

William Howard Taft, Used U.S. economic power & investment to influence other countries (Latin America) and, help average individual (Help larger business more)

EX: Supporting Latin American industries → increased trade & profits for U.S. business → lift poverty & social disorder for the average people

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson, to promote democracy, human rights, and economic stability. Applied economic pressure on non-democratic regimes

EX: U.S. interfering to support Cuban independence from Spanish Rule