American Imperialism Study Guide

What economic need drove the US to seek new markets during the late 1800s?

Industrialization led to an overproduction of goods

Which 1867 land purchase was first mocked but later valued for its resources?

Alaska

What did the Monroe Doctrine say about European involvement in the Americas?

No European intervention in the Western Hemisphere/ Western Affairs

What were the two names for Roosevelt’s foreign policy strategies?

Big Stick policy and Roosevelt Corollary

What major canal did the US build between 1904 and 1914 to boost trade and naval power?

Panama Canal

Why did the US annex Hawaii in 1898?

Naval bases and raw materials (sugar)

What war in 1898 marked the US’s rise as a global power?

Spanish-American War

What was Taft’s foreign policy called and how did it work?

Dollar Diplomacy

American businesses can invest in foreign countries

What did the Philippine-American War reveal about US imperialism?

Showed the challenges and ethical dilemmas of American imperialism

Name one territory the US did not acquire between 1866 and 1920

Cuba, US Virgin Islands, Nicaragua, Mexico

What did the Roosevelt Corollary add to the Monroe Doctrine?

America could police Latin American countries if they didn’t like what was going on

How did Alfred Thayer Mahan influence US imperial strategy?

He advocated for a powerful navy/ Importance of sea patrol

What was Wilson’s Missionary Diplomacy meant to provide?

Promoted democratic governments and oppose oppressive ones

What did the US hope to protect by joining the fight against the Boxer Rebellion

Maintaining access to Chinese markets

How did American imperialism between 1867 and 1920 affect the US and other nations?

It established the US as a global power. US began to spread influence through war, trade, and diplomacy. Other countries lost sovereignty and culture

Describe the status of Cuba after the Spanish American War

They were independent but have limited sovereignty

What precedent did the Spanish-American War set for future US foreign policy?

Establishing military interventions worldwide

What was the purpose of the Teller Amendment?

It insured Cuban independence/ we would not annex Cuba

How did the Platt Amendment affect Cuba?

It allowed US intervention in Cuban affairs/ limited their sovereignty

Who were the rough riders?

Teddy Roosevelt’s volunteer Calvary, key role in defeating Spanish forces at San Juan Hill

What was Russia’s primary motivation for selling Alaska?

Too far and no longer profitable

What piece of legislation allowed the US to annex Hawaii?

Newlands Resolution of 1898

Who became the head of Hawaii’s provisional government after the monarchy was overthrown?

Sanford Dole

Explain the Payne-Aldrich Tariff controversy during Taft’s presidency

The House wanted to lower tariffs, but the Senate wanted to raise tariffs. This was a compromise between the two. This angered progressives.

Why was the Bull Moose Party formed in 1912?

Progressive republicans made this party to support Roosevelt after the conservatives nominated Taft

How did President Wilson try to gain support from Progressive Republicans in the 1916 election?

He supported progressive ideals and signed many of Roosevelt’s Bull Moose legislative proposals (child labor laws, workers comp, etc)

What was Dollar Diplomacy under President Taft?

Foreign policy that used economic power to advance US interests in Latin America

What did the Open Door Policy aim to do for China?

Preserve Chinese independence

Who were the Boxers targeting during their rebellion?

Christian missionaries and embassies

What effect do the Open Door Policy have on China?

Led to a violent rebellion and Chinese government was at the mercy of foreign powers