HIST 1302 American Imperialism

What was the impact of Westward Expansion on Native Americans?

It displaced Native Americans, leading to wars like the Comanche Wars (1867–1875) and the Nez Perce War (1877).

What U.S. territorial acquisitions marked early imperial expansion?

Howland & Baker Islands (1857), Midway Islands (1867), Alaska Purchase (1867 – 'Seward’s Folly').

Why was Alaska significant?

It was seen as a gateway to Asian markets.

What role did the U.S. play in Samoa?

Established a naval station at Pago Pago in 1878.

What happened in Hawaii leading to U.S. annexation?

Missionaries and sugar planters gained power; Queen Liliuokalani tried to restore sovereignty (1891) but was overthrown in 1893; Republic of Hawaii formed in 1894; annexed by U.S. in 1898.

What economic factor drove the Age of Imperialism?

Industrial and agricultural overproduction created need for foreign markets.

Who was Alfred Thayer Mahan and what did he argue?

Author of 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History' (1890); advocated for a strong navy, colonies, and a canal across Panama or Nicaragua.

What racial/ideological factor justified imperialism?

Josiah Strong’s 'Our Country' (1885) promoted Anglo-Saxon duty to spread liberty, Christianity, and civilization (White Man’s Burden, Social Darwinism).

Why did the U.S. fear being left behind in the Age of Imperialism?

European powers were rapidly seizing colonies in Africa and Asia.

What caused the Spanish-American War (1898)?

Spanish misrule in Cuba, U.S. investments at risk, Yellow Journalism, the de Lome Letter insulting McKinley, and USS Maine explosion.

What happened at the Battle of Manila Bay (1898)?

Commodore George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in the Philippines.

Who were the Rough Riders and what role did they play?

Volunteer cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt that fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Why was the Spanish-American War called a 'Splendid Little War'?

It ended quickly (armistice Aug 12, 1898) with relatively few battle deaths (~400; most of 5,500 deaths from disease).

What were the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1898)?

Cuba independent (later Platt Amendment restrictions); Puerto Rico and Guam ceded to U.S.; Philippines ceded for $20M.

What sparked the Philippine-American War (1899–1902)?

Filipinos expected independence but revolted against U.S. rule.

How costly was the Philippine-American War?

125,000 U.S. troops, 4,000 U.S. deaths, ~20,000 Filipino combat deaths—more costly than the Spanish-American War.

What did the Platt Amendment (1901) establish?

U.S. right to intervene in Cuba, control debt, and maintain naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

What was the Roosevelt Corollary (1904)?

Declared the U.S. as an 'international police power' in the Western Hemisphere.

Which Caribbean/Central American countries saw U.S. interventions?

Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Mexico (supporting Carranza, punitive expedition after Pancho Villa raid).

How did the U.S. gain control of the Panama Canal Zone?

Hay-Herrán Treaty (1903) with Colombia rejected; U.S. supported Panama revolt; Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty gave U.S. control.

When was the Panama Canal constructed?

1904–1914.

What medical breakthroughs enabled Panama Canal construction?

Eradication of yellow fever and malaria control.

What was the Open Door Policy (1899–1900)?

Secretary of State John Hay’s policy for equal trade rights in China.

What was the Boxer Rebellion (1900)?

Anti-Western uprising in China suppressed by international coalition; Boxer Protocol (1901) imposed reparations, some used to fund Chinese education abroad.

What did the Revolution of 1911 in China lead to?

Collapse of Qing dynasty and founding of Republic of China (1912).

What role did the U.S. play in Japan’s rise?

Treaty of Kanagawa (1854) opened trade; Roosevelt mediated Treaty of Portsmouth (1905) ending Russo-Japanese War; Taft-Katsura Agreement (1905); Root-Takahira Agreement (1908).

What was Dollar Diplomacy?

President Taft’s policy to expand U.S. influence through corporate investment, more effective in Latin America than Asia.

By the eve of WWI, what territories did the U.S. hold?

Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines, influence in Cuba; aggressive in Western Hemisphere, cautious in Asia, limited involvement in Europe until WWI.