American Imperialism: Key Events, Debates, and Motivations (1890s-1900s)

What was the Frontier Thesis proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner?

It argued that the American identity was forged through westward exploration and that the closing of the frontier necessitated overseas expansion.

What did Turner mean by the 'closed' frontier?

He noted that there was no longer a visible line of 'unsettled' land on official maps, indicating that the continental frontier had ended.

What economic pressures motivated U.S. expansion in the late 19th century?

The surplus problem, need for raw materials, and mass immigration created demands for new markets and job opportunities.

Who was Alfred Thayer Mahan and what was his contribution to imperialism?

Mahan was a naval professor who argued that the U.S. needed a large merchant fleet, a significant navy, and overseas territories to become a global power.

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that it was God's divine will for the U.S. to expand its territory, bringing technology, education, and religion to new lands.

Define Social Darwinism in the context of imperialism.

It is the application of 'survival of the fittest' to human societies, justifying the rule of 'fit' nations over 'unfit' ones.

What does the term 'White Man's Burden' refer to?

It frames imperialism as a moral obligation to uplift less developed nations, despite the struggles it may entail.

What were the main arguments of expansionists in favor of imperialism?

Economic opportunity, global power, security against rival nations, and fulfilling American character through adventure.

What were the main arguments of anti-imperialists against imperialism?

Hypocrisy of colonizing others, isolationism, financial costs, risk of war, and constitutional concerns regarding citizenship.

What event led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy?

American business leaders and missionaries led a coup in 1893, resulting in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

What was the significance of the USS Maine explosion?

The explosion in Havana Harbor was blamed on Spain and became a rallying cry for the Spanish-American War.

What were the Teller and Platt Amendments?

The Teller Amendment promised not to annex Cuba, while the Platt Amendment imposed conditions on Cuban independence, allowing U.S. intervention.

What characterized the Philippine-American War?

It was marked by brutal guerrilla warfare and disillusionment among American soldiers who felt they were subjugating a people seeking independence.

Who was Queen Liliuokalani?

The last sovereign monarch of Hawaii who protested U.S. annexation and highlighted injustices in her letter to President McKinley.

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

It used sensationalism to sway public opinion against Spain, focusing on the brutality of Spanish actions in Cuba.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris (1898)?

Spain surrendered Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million.

What was the Anti-Imperialist League?

A group that opposed U.S. imperialism, arguing against the annexation of the Philippines and highlighting moral and constitutional concerns.

What was the significance of the Platt Amendment?

It allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established a naval base at Guantanamo Bay, contradicting the Teller Amendment.

What were the economic motivations behind American imperialism?

Access to new markets, raw materials, and opportunities for investment were key economic drivers for expansion.

Identify two moral arguments used by expansionists to justify imperialism.

The belief in a religious/cultural duty to bring civilization and the idea of the 'White Man's Burden' to uplift others.

Identify two constitutional concerns raised by anti-imperialists.

Debate over whether people in annexed territories are 'citizens' or 'subjects' and the implications for American democracy.

What was the impact of industrialization on American expansionism?

It created pressures for new markets and resources as the economy transitioned from agrarian to industrial.

What did the phrase 'Remember the Maine!' signify?

It became a rallying cry for war against Spain following the explosion of the USS Maine, inciting public outrage.

What was the role of Theodore Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War?

He led the Rough Riders and became a prominent figure advocating for U.S. intervention in the conflict.

What was the primary focus of the Spanish-American War?

The liberation of Cuba from Spanish rule, which was framed as a fight against colonial oppression.

What did the term 'jingoism' refer to during the era of imperialism?

Extreme patriotism that advocated for aggressive foreign policy and military intervention.

What was the significance of the De Lome Letter?

It insulted President McKinley and fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in the U.S., contributing to the push for war.

How did American soldiers' views of the Philippine-American War change over time?

Many soldiers became disillusioned, feeling they were repeating the tyranny they had fought against in the American Revolution.