Unit 3B Review Sheet: Imperialism/WW1 (US History B)

Unit 3B Review Sheet: Imperialism/WW1 (US History B)

Definition of Imperialism

  • Imperialism: The policy by which stronger nations extend control over weaker countries or territories.

Reasons for Imperialism

  • Desire for military strength.
  • Thirst for new markets to support growing industries.
  • Belief in cultural superiority, often referred to as the civilizing mission of imperialist nations.

Expansion of the U.S. Territory

  • Acquisition of Hawaii:

    • American planters in Hawaii called for the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani.
    • With the assistance of U.S. marines, this coup ultimately succeeded, leading to U.S. control over Hawaii.

  • Purchase of Alaska:

    • In 1867, the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.
    • Nicknamed Seward's Icebox or Seward's Folly, the purchase was initially criticized due to Alaska's perceived lack of value.
    • However, the discovery of natural resources proved it to be quite valuable.

Situation in Cuba in the 1890s

  • Cuba was experiencing turmoil, as Spain, led by General Valeriano "the Butcher" Weyler, sought to suppress a Cuban revolt.
  • To protect U.S. interests in Cuba, the U.S. sent the battleship USS Maine to Havana.
  • The explosion of the USS Maine incited public outrage and was blamed on Spain, leading to calls for war.

Role of Yellow Journalism

  • Yellow Journalism: A type of sensational and exaggerated news reporting. Notable newspapers, including the New York World and New York Journal, played a significant role in inflaming public opinion against Spain by blaming them for the USS Maine explosion.
  • The impact of yellow journalism included:
    • Heightened public fervor for military action against Spain.
    • Manipulation of facts to serve the interests of newspapers and influence U.S. policy.

Outcomes of the Spanish-American War

  • Result in the Philippines:

    • Commodore George Dewey led U.S. naval forces to quickly destroy the Spanish Pacific fleet at Manila.
    • Emilio Aguinaldo led a rebellion against U.S. authority during the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1902).

  • Colonization of the Philippines by the U.S.:

    • Following the war, the United States retained control over the Philippines, leading to resistance and a prolonged conflict with Filipino nationalists who sought independence.

Key Figures and Units

  • Rough Riders:
    • A volunteer cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War, led by Theodore Roosevelt.
    • Roosevelt emerged as a national hero after his leadership at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

Territories Acquired from Spain

  • The U.S. acquired several territories from Spain as a result of the war:
    • Guam
    • Puerto Rico
    • The Philippines

Implications of the Platt Amendment

  • The Platt Amendment allowed for the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever deemed necessary, effectively limiting Cuban sovereignty.
  • It also granted the U.S. control of a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

U.S. Naval Expansion

  • The U.S. sought to establish naval bases around the world to protect its economic interests and project power globally.

Open Door Policy

  • The Open Door Policy was a significant U.S. foreign policy initiative aimed at ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.
  • It sought to abolish spheres of influence carved out by European powers and assure no single nation could monopolize trade in China.

Boxer Rebellion

  • The Boxer Rebellion was an uprising in China aimed at expelling foreign influence.
    • The Boxers targeted missionaries and foreign nationals, blaming them for China’s woes.
    • The rebellion resulted in the killing of hundreds of missionaries and troops before being quelled by an international coalition of forces.