Study Guide: Imperialism and the American Empire

What was a major economic cause of American imperialism?

Desire for new markets and raw materials.

What military strategy influenced American imperialism?

Alfred Thayer Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power Upon History.

What was the significance of the USS Maine in the Spanish-American War?

Its sinking in Havana Harbor inflamed public opinion and led to war.

What did the Treaty of Paris (1898) accomplish for the U.S.?

The U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What ideology justified American imperialism related to cultural superiority?

The belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority and the idea of spreading civilization (White Man’s Burden, Social Darwinism).

What was the Platt Amendment related to Cuba?

It limited Cuba’s independence and allowed U.S. intervention.

Who was Emilio Aguinaldo?

Leader of Filipino resistance against U.S. control during the Philippine-American War.

What did the Roosevelt Corollary allow the U.S. to do?

Intervene in Latin American affairs as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine.

What was the Open Door Policy?

It promoted free trade in China and aimed to prevent European dominance over Chinese markets.

What role did Yellow Journalism play in the Spanish-American War?

It inflamed public opinion and sympathy for Cuban rebels.

How did the U.S. support the construction of the Panama Canal?

By supporting Panama’s independence from Colombia.

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

An anti-foreigner uprising in China that led to international military intervention.

What were some pro-imperialist arguments?

Economic benefits, military expansion, and civilizing other nations.

What were some anti-imperialist arguments?

Violation of American principles of democracy and self-determination.

Who advocated for a strong navy and wrote about naval strategy?

Alfred Thayer Mahan.

What was one outcome of the Spanish-American War?

Cuba became a U.S. protectorate.

What did the U.S. achieve by intervening in Latin America under the Roosevelt Corollary?

Increased economic and military influence in the region.