American History Imperialism - Smock

What is a powerful nation characterized by?

- advanced economy (industrial) - strong government - considerable military strength

How was Panama formed?

- broke away from Columbia with the help of USA navy - the US encouraged this because Columbia didn't want them to build the Panama canal - gave the USA permission to build the canal - "Big Stick" policy

What was the purpose of Pulitzer and Hearst's Yellow Press?

They wanted to slightly exaggerate stories to evoke emotion from readers. This also was the bring paper circulation up.

What is an isthmus?

a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land.

What was the platt amendment post Spanish American War?

allowed the USA to lease Cuban land (Guantanamo Bay)

What did the Platt Amendment do?

allowed the creation of military bases in Cuba

Why was the Sp. Am. War supported by American business people?

economic investments in Cuba

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

foreign policy doctrine set forth by President Monroe in 1823 that discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere (Latin America) Ex. Dominican Republic

What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

our right to intervene in Latin American countries put some "teeth" in the Monroe Doctrine

What is a protectorate and who is a protectorate of the US?

protectorate = a country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger nation Cuba is a protectorate of USA

What was Roosevelt's foreign policy?

the US should intervene in nations whose political stability is threatened

After the war, ____ exerted political control over ____.

the US, Cuba

What were the "teeth" in the Monroe Doctrine?

the USA using the military to enforce it

What was the Great White Fleet compared to in Roosevelt's famous line?

the big stick

Why did the US turn to imperialism?

the closing of the frontier, investors had to look elsewhere for economic opportunity

What was the cause of imperialism?

Industrial Revolution

What happened when Spain ruled Cuba?

- Spain denied civil liberties and political rights - levied heavy taxes, restricted foreign trade - abolished slavery in 1886 - economic depression brings another revolt for independence

What were the benefits of the Panama canal?

- reduced the trip from NY to San Fran over 50% - it went from 13,000 miles to 5,200 miles

What was the Spanish American War battle cry?

"Remember the Maine, to HELL with Spain!"

What was the British Empire's "crown jewell"?

"The Subcontinent" aka India

Who is Jose Marti and how did he die?

- "Father of Cuban Independence" - got the revolution started - died in 1895 leading independence uprising against the Spanish

Explain the Sinking of Maine.

- Feb. 1898 - American battleship visiting Cuba blown up - 260 Americans killed - probably cause= fire in a coal bin - Americans blamed Spain due to Yellow Press reports

What did industrialized nations desire colonies to provide?

- cheap supply of raw materials - a market for the mother company's goods - large profits with minimum risk on investment of surplus capital

What reasons did people have for being pro-annexation of the Philippines?

- educate filipinos - uplift filipinos - civilize filipinos - increased commerical opportunities for the US

What is a less advanced ares characterized by?

- primitive economy (pre industrial) - underdeveloped natural resources - weak government - limited military power

What were some reasons that people used nationalist arguments to gain support for empire building?

- to gain glory and achieve a "place in the sun" - to secure essential military bases and war materials - to provide an outlet for surplus population - to provide safety (missionaries spread Christianity) - to bring the backward areas the "blessing of the civilized culture" of the west (Europe and USA)

What was Taft's Dollar Diplomacy?

- using a nation's economic power to influence other countries - wanted to create stability abroad for teh benefit of US commerical interests

What reasons did people have for being anti-annexation of the Philippines?

- violated the declaration of independence - defined self government to the new territories - introduced more racial problems

What are the 2 definitions of imperialism?

1. the quest to build a territorial empire 2. control by powerful nation(s) over a less advanced or less civilized area

When was the Spanish-American War?

1898

What is the Open Door Policy?

A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Where did Roosevelt get the influence for the Great White Fleet?

Alfred Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power Upon History which explained how a nation benefitted from having strong navy and military bases

How did America feel towards Cuba during the Spanish American War?

American sympathized with them because the Spanish was using Cuba like the British used America.

Who was George Dewey? What was his job and why?

George Dewey was in the Navy. He was commanded to attack the Spanish Fleet in the Manila, Phillipines Harbor. This was retalitation for the blowing up of the USS Maine.

After the war, the US acquired ____, ____, and _____.

Guam, the Phillipines, and Puerto Rico

What does Roosevelt's "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." mean?

He says to not fight but to always be prepared to.

Who were some famous Yellow Journalists?

Joseph Pulitzer (NY Journal) and William Hearst (NY World)

What did the US fear about the Roosevelt Corollary?

Latin America would default on their debts

What was an "other" cause for imperialism?

People used nationalist arguments to gain support for empire building.

What are spheres of influence?

Ports or regions where a foreign nation retains exclusive rights over trade, mines, rails, etc.

What actually is the Great White Fleet?

Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet on a worldwide tour when Japan became a world power after defeating Russia in 1905. This was an example of the US's ability to defend international interests.

Who created the Open Door Policy?

Secretary of State John Hay

What were the terms of the Treaty of Paris in 1898?

Spain agreed to... - make Cuba independent - that Puerto Rico and Guam would be given to the US - that the Phillippines would be sold to the US for $20 million

What was the main cause of the Spanish American War?

Spanish rule over Cuba

Example of other imperiaist nation

The British Empire controlled over 1/4 of the world's territory and population.

What controversial topic did Hearst (NY World) public in his papers?

The Delome Letter where Spanish ambassador called President McKinley "weak"

What prompted the Roosevelt Corollary and the detaining of suspects at Guantanamo Bay?

The Platt Amendment

What was America's economic interest with Cuba?

Trade. They traded as much as $100 million (value) per year.

In 1898, what did President McKinley ask Congress for? Do they approve or no?

to use American armed forces in Cuba, they approve and help Cuba recognize its independence from Spain