Imperialism Quiz

Isolationism

when a nation devotes all its resources to its own advancement and remaining at peace by avoiding foreign alliances and responsibilities.

Internationalism

policy in which a nation believes countries should cooperate within international organizations (i.e. NATO, United Nations, etc…) to settle disputes.

Imperialism

Policy in which stronger nations, primarily for their own benefit, extend their economic, political, and/or military influence over weaker territories. 

Three reasons America participated in Imperialism

#1

(1) Desire for Economic Prosperity

1. The U.S. wanted raw materials like sugar

2. America competed with European nations for new markets (places) to sell goods.

• By 1900, European powers controlled most of Africa and Asia, ⅕ of the world's land mass. 

• America feared it might not have access to raw materials and markets without gaining more territory.

Three reasons America participated in Imperialism

#2

(2) Pursuit of International Prestige (“respect”) 

The U.S. believed it needed an empire to be perceived as a major world power like Europe.

Three reasons America participated in Imperialism

#3

(3) Belief in Cultural Superiority

People in the US believed they had a responsibility to spread "Civilization" to the inferior peoples of the world.

Social Darwinism

belief that certain races and nations were genetically superior and destined to rule over “inferior” peoples and cultures.

Alfred T. Mahan

wrote The Influence of Sea Power on History (1890) - urged U.S. to build a modern Navy to protect American business and shipping interests around the world.

Three causes of Spanish-American War

#1

(1) Spanish Reconcentration Camps

In response to Cuba’s 2nd War for Independence, Spain sent General Valeriano Weyler to Cuba to restore order.  Weyler placed approximately 300K rural civilians in reconcentration camps. As a result of disease and starvation, tens of thousands of civilians died in the camps.

Three causes of Spanish-American War

#2

(2) Yellow Journalism (also known as yellow press)

• Yellow Journalism:  use of exaggerated reporting by newspapers or magazines to  attract readers.

Three causes of Spanish-American War

#3

(3) Explosion of U.S.S. Maine

• 266 killed

• US officially declared war on Spain (April 1898) 

William Randolph Hearst

owner of several major newspapers during the late 19th Century who used his papers to oppose Spanish rule in Cuba.

Yellow Journalism

use of exaggerated reporting by newspapers or magazines to  attract readers.

Rough Riders

a volunteer cavalry commanded by Teddy Roosevelt.

Roosevelt became famous for leading the charges at Kettle and San Juan Hill.

USS Main controversy 

Some people thought Spain intentionally caused the USS Maine to sink from a mine or torpedo. However, it was actually an accident and it was destroyed by design by fire generated in the coal bunkers.

Treat Of Paris

-impact on Spanish-American War

-territory America gained

It ended the war and Spain agreed to: Free Cuba, Give Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S., and sell Philippines to U.S. for $20 million

Big Stick Diplomacy

Teddy Roosevelt’s foreign policy while he was president, policy of careful negotiation ("speaking softly") supported by the unspoken threat of a powerful military ("big stick").

Reasons for U.S intervention in Hawaii

• Economic Prosperity – American sugar plantation owners wanted to export their sugar without an import tax. 

• Military – US wanted to maintain naval base at Pearl Harbor to have a place to refuel their ships moving through the Pacific Ocean.