Imperialism Test

Economic Motives

Industrialized nations needed raw materials (rubber, oil, metals) and new markets for their goods.

Political & Military Motives

Nations competed for power, prestige, and strategic military bases.

Cultural Superiority (Social Darwinism)

The belief that Western civilization was racially superior and had a duty to 'civilize' other nations.

Religious Motives

Missionaries sought to spread Christianity and Western values.

White Man’s Burden

The idea that it was Americans' duty to help 'less advanced' nations through imperialism.

George Dewey

U.S. naval commander known for leading the attack on the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Alfred T. Mahan

A U.S. naval officer who wrote 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History', advocating for a strong navy.

Seward’s Folly

The purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, initially seen as a mistake.

USS Maine

U.S. battleship sent to Cuba to protect American interests during the Spanish-Cuban conflict.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news stories designed to provoke emotions and sway public opinion.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt, celebrated for their charge up San Juan Hill.

Battle of San Juan Hill

A decisive battle during the Spanish-American War where U.S. forces secured victory against Spain.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Ended the Spanish-American War; Spain ceded control of Cuba and the U.S. gained Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Philippine-American War

Conflict between the U.S. and Filipino revolutionaries over the U.S. refusal to grant independence to the Philippines.

McKinley’s Open Door Policy

Promoted equal trade opportunities in China and opposed European spheres of influence.

TR’s Big Stick Diplomacy

The foreign policy of Theodore Roosevelt, asserting U.S. military power to achieve diplomatic goals.

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy

Encouraged U.S. investments in foreign economies to increase U.S. influence.

Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy

Promoted democracy and human rights over military intervention.

Boxer Rebellion

A Chinese uprising against foreign influence and exploitation.

Gentlemen’s Agreement (1907)

An informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan to limit Japanese immigration to the U.S.

Teller Amendment (1898)

Stated that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment (1903)

Allowed U.S. intervention in Cuba and established Guantanamo Bay as a U.S. naval base.

Foraker Act (1900)

Established a civilian government in Puerto Rico under U.S. control.

Pancho Villa

A Mexican revolutionary who attacked the U.S. due to anger over American support for his rivals.