APUSH TEST 1

Post-Civil War Indifference to Foreign Affairs

Americans focused on Reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and westward expansion with little interest in international affairs.

Reasons for U.S. Expansion in the Late 19th Century

Growth in population, wealth, and production alongside labor violence pushed Americans to seek overseas markets.

Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy

Marked by increased international engagement and aspirations for imperialism due to agricultural and industrial growth.

Imperialist Motivations

Economic pressures and media glamorization of foreign exploits fueled U.S. overseas expansion.

Josiah Strong's 'Our Country'

Inspired missionaries to spread American values and Christianity internationally.

Social Darwinism

A justification for imperialism used by advocates like Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Authored 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History,' promoting the importance of naval power.

James G. Blaine’s 'Big Sister' Policy

Aimed to strengthen ties with Latin America, culminating in the first Pan-American Conference (1889).

U.S. Assertiveness in Diplomacy

Highlighted through various diplomatic crises such as the Samoan Islands conflict and tensions with Italy and Chile.

Venezuelan Boundary Dispute

U.S. invoked the Monroe Doctrine to challenge British influence in a border dispute with Venezuela over gold.

Richard Olney's Declaration to Britain

Claimed British actions violated the Monroe Doctrine during the Venezuelan boundary dispute.

Cleveland's Response to Venezuela Crisis

Urged Congress for action, enhancing prestige of the Monroe Doctrine after a peaceful resolution.

Hawaiian Annexation

Debated due to economic ties and local opposition, culminated in annexation in 1898 after Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow.

Cuban Struggle for Independence (1895)

Economic hardship and Spanish misrule led to a revolt fueled by U.S. investments and sympathy for independence.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist press that exaggerated Cuban atrocities, escalating public sentiment against Spain.

Spanish-American Relations

Increasing tensions marked by the portrayal of Spanish cruelty and U.S. military responses.

De Lôme Letter

A stolen letter that insulted President McKinley, inciting public outrage and contributing to war sentiment.

Explosion of the USS Maine

The battleship exploded in Havana Harbor, leading to blame placed on Spain, even though the cause was disputed.

McKinley’s War Declaration

After pressures, McKinley declared war against Spain in 1898 with the Teller Amendment promising Cuban independence.

Commodore George Dewey

Led U.S. naval forces to a decisive victory at Manila Bay with no casualties.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Collaborated with Dewey during the capture of Manila in the Spanish-American War.

Major Battles in Cuba

Included notable confrontations at San Juan Hill and El Caney during the U.S. invasion.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Ended the Spanish-American War, leading to Spain ceding Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the U.S.

Anti-Imperialist League

Group opposing expansionist policies, including notable figures like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie.

Foraker Act of 1900

Established a limited government in Puerto Rico, with eventual citizenship granted in 1917.

Cubans wrote their own Constitution

The Platt Amendment in 1901 established U.S. influence over Cuban affairs post-independence.

Philippine-American War

Conflict from 1899-1902 as Filipinos opposed U.S. control after expectations of independence.

Guerrilla Warfare in the Philippines

Filipinos employed guerrilla tactics against U.S. forces, leading to a prolonged conflict.

Open Door Policy in China

Proposed by John Hay to ensure equal trading rights in China while maintaining its sovereignty.

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

A nationalist uprising in China against foreign influence, quelled by an international coalition including U.S. troops.

Presidential Election of 1900

William McKinley, supported by Theodore Roosevelt, won against Democrat William Jennings Bryan.

Theodore Roosevelt's Background

War hero and governor of New York, he became president after McKinley's assassination.

'Big Stick' Diplomacy

Roosevelt's foreign policy emphasizing strength and readiness to use military force.

Panama Canal Treaty

The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty allowed U.S. construction of the canal, facilitating naval and trade advantages.

Uprising in Panama (1903)

Panama's revolution supported by the U.S. led to the sudden recognition of its independence.

Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine

Policy that allowed U.S. intervention in Latin America to manage debts and prevent European encroachment.

Russo-Japanese War Mediation

Roosevelt mediated peace between Russia and Japan, earning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gentlemen’s Agreement (1907-1908)

Resolved tensions over Japanese immigration to the U.S. following a crisis in San Francisco.

Great White Fleet (1907-1909)

U.S. naval fleet sent on a global tour to showcase American naval power.

Progressivism

A reform movement aiming to address social injustices, monopolies, and governmental inefficiency.

Key Progressive Figures

Included reformers like William Jennings Bryan and journalists like Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists exposing government and corporate corruption.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911)

Tragic event that led to stronger labor regulations and safety laws.

Temperance Movement

A campaign aimed at reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption linked to social issues.

Meat Inspection Act (1906)

Legislation ensuring sanitary standards for meat production in response to public health concerns.

Conservation Measures under Roosevelt

Included measures like the Forest Reserve Act and Newlands Act aimed at sustainable resource management.

Legacy of Progressive Policies

Progressivism led to significant reforms in labor rights, consumer protections, and democratic practices.

William Howard Taft's Leadership

Characterized by a more conservative approach, yet extensive trust-busting efforts during his presidency.

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy

Using economic investment to exert influence abroad, particularly in Latin America and East Asia.

Ballinger-Pinchot Affair

Controversy over conservation policies that led to divisions within the Republican Party.

Republican Party Split

Division in the party between progressives and conservatives during Taft's presidency.

Progressive Party (Bull Moose Party)

A party formed by Roosevelt after losing the Republican nomination, advocating for progressive reforms.