U.S. Imperialism, Foreign Policy, and Progressive Era Reforms

Who were the main supporters of Imperialism in the U.S.?

Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, Alfred Thayer Mahan, and business leaders.

What were the reasons supporters advocated for Imperialism?

To increase U.S. power and prestige, gain military and economic advantages, and ensure a strong global presence.

Who were some notable opponents of Imperialism?

Former Presidents Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland, reformers like Jane Addams, and intellectuals like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie.

What were the main arguments against Imperialism?

It contradicted American democratic values, denied rights to new territories, and opposed U.S. control over other nations.

What were the primary causes of the Spanish-American War?

Tensions in Cuba, media influence through yellow journalism, and the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War for the U.S.?

The U.S. defeated Spain, gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and established itself as an imperial power.

What were the Insular Cases (1901)?

Supreme Court rulings that determined residents of U.S. territories were 'subjects,' not citizens, lacking full constitutional rights.

What was the Philippine Insurrection?

A conflict where Filipinos fought for independence from U.S. control after the Spanish-American War.

What was the stance of the Anti-Imperialist League regarding the Philippines?

They argued it was wrong to deny Filipinos their rights and debated whether 'the Constitution follows the flag.'

What was President William McKinley's decision regarding the Philippines?

He decided that the U.S. should keep the Philippines after defeating Spain.

What was Calvin Coolidge's economic philosophy?

A pro-business approach emphasizing lower taxes, less government spending, and encouraging investment.

What was the purpose of Jacob Riis's book 'The Other Half Lives'?

To expose the living conditions of the poor in lower Manhattan and highlight housing issues.

Who was Alfred Thayer Mahan and what was his contribution?

A U.S. Navy Admiral whose book 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History' laid the foundation for American expansion.

What role did yellow journalism play in the Spanish-American War?

It exaggerated Spanish brutality, stirring public anger and pressure for war.

What was the significance of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine?

It fueled American anger against Spain, leading to calls for war, despite the unclear cause of the explosion.

What was the impact of the Spanish-American War on U.S. foreign policy?

It marked the rise of the U.S. as an imperial power and increased its involvement in global affairs.

What did the phrase 'the Constitution follows the flag' signify?

The belief that all people under U.S. rule should have the same rights as U.S. citizens.

How did the U.S. approach the governance of the Philippines after the war?

Initially resisted independence but gradually moved towards self-governance, promising future independence in 1916.

What was the long-term outcome for the Philippines after U.S. control?

The Philippines gained full independence in 1946 after World War II.

What was the economic condition of the U.S. during Coolidge's presidency?

The U.S. experienced major economic growth and high corporate profits in the 1920s.

What did Riis aim to achieve with his photographs in 'The Other Half Lives'?

To show middle-class America the stark poverty and living conditions of the urban poor.

What was the significance of Alfred Thayer Mahan's work?

Mahan's theories laid the foundation for American expansion and influenced U.S. foreign policy in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

What was the main focus of Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle'?

The book exposed the horrible working conditions and unsanitary practices in Chicago's meatpacking industry.

What federal reforms were prompted by 'The Jungle'?

The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act were enacted to improve food and drug safety.

What was Upton Sinclair's real goal in writing 'The Jungle'?

Sinclair aimed to highlight the suffering of workers and encourage socialist reforms, but the main result was improved food safety.

What was the Sussex Pledge?

Germany's promise to stop attacking ships without warning, which was later broken and contributed to U.S. entry into WWI.

What event turned U.S. public opinion against Germany during WWI?

The sinking of the British ship Lusitania in 1915, which killed 1,200 people, including 128 Americans.

What was the Zimmerman Telegram?

A secret message from Germany to Mexico asking them to attack the U.S. in exchange for lost territories, which outraged Americans.

What were the main causes of the First Red Scare?

Causes included post-WWI social unrest, the Bolshevik Revolution, labor strikes, bombings, racial tensions, and the influenza pandemic.

What was the irony of African Americans fighting in WWI?

They fought for democracy abroad but returned to face racism and segregation at home, highlighting a contradiction in American values.

How did consumer credit impact the economy in the early 1900s?

It fueled speculative investment and led many Americans into the stock market, increasing financial vulnerability when the market collapsed.

What was Franklin Roosevelt's opinion of Huey Long?

Roosevelt viewed Long as a serious rival and ideological opponent to the New Deal agenda.

What is the Social Security Act of 1935?

A New Deal law providing financial support for older Americans through a system of old-age pensions funded by payroll taxes.

What was President Wilson's view on the Treaty of Versailles?

Wilson believed it was key to world peace but did not want to join parts of it that violated U.S. isolationist ideals.

What did the Schenck vs. U.S. case establish?

The case established the 'clear and present danger' test, indicating that free speech is not absolute during wartime.

Who were the pro-immigration groups in the early 20th century?

Political bosses, business leaders, reformers, and Catholic labor organizers were generally pro-immigrant.

What was the effect of the assembly line on American industry?

The assembly line increased production speed and efficiency, contributing to rapid industrialization and urbanization, but also led to difficult working conditions.