US Imperialism, Foreign Policy, and WWI: Key Concepts and Events

What were the motives for US imperialism?

Economic competition, military bases, humanitarian ideology, and the need for resources.

What was the relationship between Japan and the US during WWI?

Japan was an ally of the US and sought power in the Pacific.

Why was Hawaii important to the US?

It had a strategic location in the Pacific and was significant for military and economic reasons.

What did American planters do in Hawaii?

They established large sugar and pineapple plantations and took over Hawaii's government.

What was the Open Door Policy?

A trade policy created by the US to ensure equal trading rights in China.

Why was the Panama Canal built?

To allow faster travel and trade, providing military advantages and economic control.

How is the Panama Canal an example of TR's Big Stick Diplomacy?

TR supported Panama's independence to secure the canal's construction after Colombia refused.

What were the reasons for the Anti-Imperialist League's opposition?

Opposition to imperialism due to the burden of wars/enemies and hypocrisy of American principles. As well as problems at home to worry about.

What were the causes of the Spanish-American War?

Economic interests in Cuba, humanitarian concerns, and the Delome Letter.

Why is the Spanish-American War called a 'splendid little war'?

It lasted only four months.

What were the results of the Treaty of Paris?

The US acquired the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

How were Cuba and the Philippines treated after the Treaty of Paris?

Cuba was subjected to the Platt Amendment; the Philippines did not gain independence until 1946.

When did the Philippines gain independence?

July 4, 1946, through the Treaty of Manila.

What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the US's right to intervene in Latin American affairs. US gets involved in dr, nicaragua, panama

Monroe - passive

Roosevelt - assertive

What were the long-term causes of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism (MAIN).

Why did the US get involved in WWI?

Unrestricted submarine warfare, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zimmerman Telegram.

What did Wilson mean by making the world safe for democracy?

The US should help win wars so more countries can be free and self-governed.

How did the US mobilize the nation for WWI?

Through propaganda, food administration, and increased taxes.

What was the effect of the US entrance into WWI?

It provided more soldiers, supplies, and boosted morale for the Allies.

What were the main points of Wilson's 14 Points?

A call for peace without victory and fair treatment of nations.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

A peace treaty that imposed harsh penalties on Germany after WWI.

What were the main components of the Treaty of Versailles?

Blame, Reparations, Army limitations, and Territory loss (BRAT).

What was the economic situation like after WWI?

High unemployment, inflation, and strikes due to poor working conditions.

What caused race riots after WWI?

Competition for jobs between Black and white workers led to violence.

Why was there a Red Scare after WWI?

Fear of communism spreading from Russia to the US.

What were the Palmer Raids?

Raids ordered by Attorney General Palmer to arrest suspected radicals.

What was the effect of the Red Scare on immigration?

The US government limited immigration from certain countries due to fears of radical ideas.

What did Harding mean by a return to normalcy?

A focus on domestic issues like business and peace at home instead of foreign wars.

What was “White Mans Burden”?

A poem written by William Kipling that urged the U.S. to colonize Philippines after the spanish american war.

What was spheres of influence?

when foreign powers divided China up and controlled trade and other privileges in those areas.

Who were some anti imperialists?

Mark Twain, Jane Adams, Andrew Carnegie

What was the De Lome Letter?

Spanish Ambassador: McKinley = weak and seeking admiration of Americans

What was Cuba’s Platt Amendment?

Says that America says it can get involved if Cuban Independence is being targeted

Foreign Policies of the Presidents?

Taft - Dollar Diplomacy = use money

Wilson - Moral Diplomacy

F.D.R. - Good Neighbor Diplomacy

Food Administrations?

dont waste food

“victory gardens” civilians that grew their own food

Conscientious Objectors?

do not support war because of religion.

Espionage Act of 1917?

illegal to disrupt draft and aid the enemy

Sedition Act of 1918?

crime to speak/publish anything disloyal or abusive about the U.S.