Imperialism Test

Imperialism Study Guide (Ch. 5)

Why was Africa and Asia conquered by most of Europe during the Age of Imperialism?

Europe conquered Africa and Asia due to economic interests, political competition, and the desire for cultural superiority. The Industrial Revolution created a need for raw materials and markets, leading European nations to establish colonies.

Identify the causes of Imperialism and explain each one:

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

2. Political & Military Motives: Nations competed for power, prestige, and strategic military bases.

3. Cultural Superiority (Social Darwinism): Europeans believed in the racial superiority of Western civilization and felt it was their duty to "civilize" other nations.

4. Religious Motives: Missionaries sought to spread Christianity and Western values.

How did the U.S. justify the reasons for imperializing other nations?

The U.S. justified imperialism by arguing it was spreading democracy, civilization, and economic prosperity. The idea of the "White Man’s Burden" suggested that Americans had a duty to help "less advanced" nations.

Why was “Economic” the first reason for imperialism?

Economic interests drove imperialism as industrial nations needed raw materials for factories and new markets for selling their goods.

George Dewey:

He was the U.S. naval commander who led the attack on the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, securing a major American victory.

Alfred T. Mahan:

A U.S. naval officer who wrote The Influence of Sea Power upon History, arguing that a strong navy was essential for a powerful nation.

Why was the purchase of Alaska first called Seward’s Folly?

Many Americans thought buying Alaska from Russia in 1867 was a mistake because they saw it as a frozen wasteland. However, it turned out to be rich in resources like oil and gold.

Why did the U.S. government send the USS Maine to Cuba?

The U.S. sent the Maine to protect American citizens and economic interests during Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain.

Yellow Journalism:

Sensationalized and exaggerated news stories designed to provoke emotions and sway public opinion, often contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Three theories of the USS Maine exploding:

1. A Spanish mine or attack.

2. Internal explosion due to a coal bunker fire.

3. An accident from an unknown source.

Why did the newspapers go with the first theory of Spain attacking us?

Newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, used yellow journalism to push for war, increasing sales and public outrage against Spain.

Why were the Spanish demolished in the Philippines?

The Spanish fleet was outdated and poorly equipped, while the U.S. Navy, led by George Dewey, had modern warships and superior firepower.

Rough Riders:

A volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt, famous for their charge up San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War.

Battle of San Juan Hill:

A key battle in the Spanish-American War where the Rough Riders and African American regiments secured a decisive victory against Spanish forces.

Treaty of Paris (1898):

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

Why did the U.S. fight the Filipinos after the Spanish-American War?

The U.S. refused to grant the Philippines independence, leading to the Philippine-American War as Filipinos resisted American rule.

Foreign Policy During Imperialism

McKinley’s Open Door Policy:

The U.S. policy that promoted equal trade opportunities in China and opposed European spheres of influence.

Example: The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), where the U.S. and other powers intervened to maintain access to Chinese markets.

TR’s Big Stick Diplomacy:

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy of using military strength to achieve diplomatic goals—“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Example: The Panama Canal—Roosevelt supported Panama’s independence from Colombia to secure canal construction.

Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy:

Encouraged American businesses to invest in foreign economies, especially in Latin America, to increase U.S. influence.

Example: U.S. investment in railroads and banks in Nicaragua, leading to military intervention when the government resisted American control.

Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy:

Woodrow Wilson’s policy of promoting democracy and human rights rather than military intervention.

Example: The U.S. refused to recognize Mexico’s government under Victoriano Huerta because it was established through military coup.

Additional Questions

Why did the U.S. want until after WWII to free the Philippines?

During WWII, the Philippines was an important strategic location for the U.S. and was occupied by Japan. After liberating it in 1945, the U.S. granted independence in 1946.

Why did the Chinese citizens start the Boxer Rebellion?

They opposed foreign influence, Christian missionaries, and economic exploitation by Western powers.

What is the Open Door Policy?

A U.S. policy ensuring all nations had equal trading rights in China, preventing European and Japanese monopolization.

Why did McKinley want the rest of the imperialist countries to follow the Open Door Policy?

To ensure that the U.S. could continue trading in China without being excluded by European powers.

Gentlemen’s Agreement (1907):

An informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan where Japan restricted emigration to the U.S., and the U.S. agreed to treat Japanese immigrants fairly.

Why did Teddy Roosevelt send the Great White Fleet around the world?

To showcase America’s naval power and warn other nations, especially Japan, of U.S. military strength.

Teller Amendment (1898):

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

Platt Amendment (1903):

Allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba’s affairs and established Guantanamo Bay as a U.S. naval base.

Foraker Act (1900):

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

Why did the U.S. intervene with the military in Mexico?

To respond to political instability and protect American interests, such as during the Mexican Revolution.

Why did Pancho Villa attack the U.S.?

He was angry over U.S. support for his political rivals and led a raid into New Mexico, prompting a U.S. military response.