Study Guide on Imperialism and the Progressive Movement

Chapter 20/21 Study Guide: Imperialism / Spanish-American War

This comprehensive guide encapsulates the key themes, definitions, events, and outcomes associated with the topics of Imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and the Progressive Movement as discussed in Chapters 20 and 21.

Imperialism

  • Key Terms:
    • Scramble for Africa: The rapid invasion, annexation, and colonization of African territory by European powers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    • Reasons for U.S. Imperialism: Economic interests, military expansion, and a belief in cultural superiority.
    • Alfred Mahan: A U.S. naval officer whose ideas about sea power influenced naval strategies and policies, emphasizing the importance of a strong navy and overseas bases.
    • Josiah Strong: A Protestant clergyman who advocated for the Americanization of the world through a sense of religious and cultural superiority, promoting the idea of manifest destiny globally.
    • Anti-imperialism: A movement opposing imperialistic expansions, citing ethical concerns and American principles of self-determination and freedom.
    • Annexation of Hawaii: The U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898, which was driven by economic interests and strategic military considerations.

Spanish-American War

  • Causes and Background:

    • Main causes: Desire for Cuban independence, U.S. economic interests in Cuba, and sensationalist journalism (yellow journalism) by publishers such as Hearst and Pulitzer.
    • Formal Declarations of War: The U.S. declared war on Spain in April 1898, prompted by the explosion of the USS Maine and public pressure.

  • Theaters of War:

    • Cuba: The primary battleground where key battles were fought.
    • Philippines: Significant military operations occurred, leading to a decisive naval victory under Admiral Dewey.

  • Major Events and People Involved:

    • Rough Riders: A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt notable for their charge at San Juan Hill.
    • Major Battles:
    • Battle of San Juan Hill: A pivotal battle won by American forces, showcasing the effectiveness of the Rough Riders.
    • Battle of Manila Bay: A significant naval engagement that established U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific.

  • Results and Statistics:

    • The war lasted approximately four months and resulted in a swift American victory.
    • Territory Acquired: Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines were ceded to the United States.
    • Treaty of Paris (1898): Ended the war and outlined the cession of territories; it also sparked debate over imperialism in America.
    • Platt Amendment: An amendment that allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

  • Key Figures During the Spanish-American War:

    • William McKinley: President who led the nation during the war, supporting intervention in Cuba.
    • John Hay: Secretary of State and a key figure in foreign policy; authored the Open Door Notes on China.
    • Theodore Roosevelt: Became a war hero and subsequently a prominent national leader.
    • De Lome Letter: A note from the Spanish ambassador criticizing McKinley, which fueled U.S. public outrage.
    • Emilio Aguinaldo: Filipino revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish rule and later against American colonization.
    • Admiral Dewey: Naval commander who defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.

Asia and China

  • Open Door Policy: A foreign policy principle that aimed for equal trading rights within China and the territorial integrity of the Qing dynasty.
  • Boxer Rebellion: An uprising against foreign influence in China, which was ultimately suppressed by an international coalition; the rebellion highlighted nationalistic responses to imperialism in China.

Progressive Movement

  • Progressive Definition: A reform movement that aimed to address the issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government.
  • Goals of Progressive: Enact social reforms, promote efficiency in government and business, and combat corruption.
Social Welfare and Reform

  • Social Gospel Movement: A religious movement that emphasized a Christian duty to promote social justice and to aid the disadvantaged.

  • Settlement Houses: Community centers in urban areas that provided services and education to immigrants and the needy, exemplified by organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army.

  • Florence Kelley: A pioneer in labor reform who advocated for child labor laws and women's rights.

  • Moral Reform: A cornerstone of Progressivism targeting vice and promoting moral standards.

  • Economic Reform: Actions aimed at correcting economic injustices, including monopolies.

  • Prohibition and Related Legislation:

    • Volstead Act: Legislation that enforced the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.
    • Speakeasies: Illegal bars that operated during Prohibition, often associated with organized crime.
    • Bootleggers: Individuals who illegally transported alcohol during Prohibition, prominently featuring figures like Al Capone.
The Role of Muckrakers
  • Muckrakers: Journalists and writers who exposed corruption, social injustices, and abuses of power, with key figures being:
    • Lincoln Steffens: Investigated corruption in municipal government.
    • Jacob Riis: Exposed living conditions in tenements through his book How the Other Half Lives.
    • Ida Tarbell: Investigated Standard Oil and its monopolistic practices in her book The History of the Standard Oil Company.
    • Upton Sinclair: His novel The Jungle exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to regulatory reforms.
Efficiency in Industry
  • Taylorism: Scientific management theories proposed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, which aimed to improve industrial efficiency through time studies and standardization of tasks.
  • Henry Ford: Revolutionized manufacturing with the introduction of the assembly line and practices such as the $5 day, a wage increase that attracted workers and increased productivity while promoting welfare capitalism.
Labor and Reform Movements
  • Child Labor Reforms: Movements aimed at protecting children from exploitation by restricting work hours and conditions.
  • Election Reforms: Included initiatives like direct primaries, secret ballots, and laws aimed at increasing voter participation.
  • Women’s Suffrage Movement: Campaign for women’s right to vote, highlighted by events such as Seneca Falls and key figures like Susan B. Anthony leading the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
The Impact of the 19th Amendment
  • 19th Amendment: Ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote, symbolizing a major victory for the suffrage movement and altering the political landscape of the U.S.

Theodore Roosevelt's Contributions

  • Background: Roosevelt became a national figure due to his role in the Spanish-American War, becoming elaborate in progressive reforms after his presidency began.
  • Bully Pulpit: Refers to the use of the presidency to advocate for a particular agenda and engage public support.
  • Square Deal: Roosevelt’s domestic program focused on consumer protection, natural resource conservation, and curbing corporate excesses.
    • Conservation Efforts: Highlighting advancements in natural resource conservation, including the establishment of national parks and forests.
    • Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act: Legislation aimed at ensuring safe food and drug products.
    • Key Figures in Conservation:
    • John Muir: A naturalist and advocate for the establishment of national parks.
    • Gifford Pinchot: First Chief of the United States Forest Service, promoted sustainable forestry practices.
  • National Reclamation Act: Funded irrigation projects for the arid lands of 20 states in the American West, promoting agriculture and settlement.

Civil Rights Movements

  • Plessy v. Ferguson: A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld state segregation laws under the doctrine of "separate but equal."
  • Leading Figures:
    • Booker T. Washington: Advocated for vocational education and economic advancement for African Americans, promoting gradual change through self-help.
    • W.E.B. Du Bois: Stressed on the need for immediate civil rights and co-founded the NAACP to fight for equality and justice.

Presidential Elections of 1908 and 1912

  • Election of 1908: William Howard Taft, Roosevelt's chosen successor, won the presidency.
  • Election of 1912: Featured a four-way race with the emergence of:
    • New Nationalism: Theodore Roosevelt’s platform advocating for a strong federal government to protect social justice.
    • Bull Moose Party: The informal name for Roosevelt’s Progressive Party founded after he failed to win the Republican nomination.
    • Woodrow Wilson: Democratic nominee proposing “New Freedom,” which called for significant reforms in business competition.

Progressive Amendments

  • 16th Amendment: Allows Congress to levy an income tax.
  • 17th Amendment: Established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote.
  • 18th Amendment: Enacted Prohibition, making the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol illegal.
  • 19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote.
  • 21st Amendment: Repealed Prohibition, marking the end of a significant social experiment that had failed to eradicate alcohol use and related social issues.