American Imperialism Test

How did a medical doctor contribute to the building of the Panama Canal?

A medical doctor contributed to the building of the Panama Canal by helping with the research and prevention of yellow fever and malaria.

In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward purchased

Alaska from the Russia.

What insurrection proved far more costly for America than the Spanish-American war itself?

America recieved a lot of backlash for seizing the Philippines. This is because they thought the war was supposed to be about freeing Cuba, not taking over the Philippines. They were battling against American colonizers.

What were some examples of America's lack of preparedness for the Spanish American War?

America's army was understaffed, under equipped, and undertrained. They also had winter uniforms from battling with the natives in America, and the battle in Cuba called for summer uniforms.

As a result of America's new status in the western hemisphere what did President Roosevelt feel was needed to police its interests? What name is given to this diplomatic policy?

As a result of America's new status in the western hemisphere, Roosevelt wanted to strengthen the US Navy. The name given to this diplomatic policy was "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

The United States Navy defeated the Spanish Navy at the

Battle of Manila Bay.

Explain how China was dominated by foreign powers but not conquered? What powers were involved in China?

China was dominated by foreign powers but they had their own system of government and an emperor. The countries apart of the spheres of influence were Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan.

What were some of the actions that the United States took to increase their position in Asia?

Commodore Matthew Perry made trade with Asia a reality and they were gaining lands in the region which took to increase their position in Asia.

What had Cuba become in relation to the United States?

Cuba had become a legal protectorate of the United States.

What prevented Cuba from entering into any treaty with European powers? What else were they prohibited from doing?

Cuba was prevented from entering into any treaty with European countries through the Platt Amendment of 1901. They were also prohibited from incurring a large amount of debt.

Why was Great Britain willing to negotiate with the US?

Great Britain was willing to negotiate with the US because they were nervous about their South African Boer War, and they wanted to keep the friendship with the United States.

How did Hawaii's new Queen Lilioukalani respond to the problems on the islands?

Hawaii's Queen wasn't happy about the situation and believed that the problems in Hawaii were foreign interference.

In the 1890's America moved to annex

Hawaii. They faced several hurdles to accomplish that goal.

Essential Question: Many say the United States "took" the Panama Canal. To the degree that you agree with such a characterization, how comfortable are you with the U.S role in Panama in the early 1900's? Explain your reasoning.

I am not very comfortable with the US's role in Panama. This is because the US only got to start work on the canal because Panama was new and very little compared to the power of the US. The people of Panama had no way to defend themselves, and they couldn't stand up for what they wanted. So, the US just popped into their business and took what they wanted. They did this without any reciprocated deal. It was completely in the favor of the US, and Panama didn't get anything in return for their disruption. Also, the canal was already underway and Columbia could have continued work on it before they were in battle with Panama. The US just pushed their way into the problem without any acknowledgement of the other parties involved.

Section 1 Essential Question: Do you support the United States looking beyond its Manifest Destiny borders in the late 1800's and early 1900's? Explain your position referencing specific incidents.

I don't support the United States looking beyond its Manifest Destiny. They already had a lot of land in North America, and they didn't need to take any other land from anyone else. With the purchase of Alaska, I do agree because it did provide them with many natural resources that they were in need of in New England. But, other than that, I don't agree with their decisions. For example, the Monroe Doctrine was created out of ignorance and the inability to compromise with foreign nations. We were still a fairly new country, and we needed to keep peace with other forieng lands that had more experience. While creating problems with Chile, Germany, and Britain, we made more people mad that were very powerful.

Section 2 Essential Question: Do you feel that conditions in Hawaii and/or the United States' circumstances justified U.S. intervention and annexation? Explain your answer.

I don't think that the United States' circumstances justified the U.S. intervention and annexation. This is because the people of Hawaii weren't really doing anything to cause problems. The United States was just extremely power hungry, and they wanted to keep gaining land for their advantages. The US could have just asked if they could place Naval bases there to help with the war with Spain. They did not have to make the Hawaiian economy and their queen lose her throne just for more power and accessibility. The Americans could have made some compromises instead of just completely annexing Hawaii. Speaking of what has happened now, I do think it is justified because overall it benefited the success of the United States, and it benefitted Hawaii. But, initially not knowing about the great success that it would bring, I don't think it was justified.

Essential Question: Why do you think the United States established itself as the policeman of the Western Hemisphere? As an American citizen, do you approve of the role?

I think the United States established itself as the policeman of the Western Hemisphere to have more influence within the countries they were controlling. They wanted to show that they were the boss, and they had the most power in the Western Hemisphere. As an American citizen, I would approve this role. This is because it was for the better for America's safety and their ability to continue to grow and prosper. They could also help the Latin American countries that they were controlling by advancing their technology and economy. The US wanted to keep their country safe, and I am grateful for that.

Section 3 Essential Question: Were the United States interests in Cuba motivated more by humanitarian or imperialistic designs? Explain.

I think the interests in Cuba were motivated more by humanitarian designs. This is because all of the things that were happening were causing distress to American citizens. Their main goal was not to take over. They were truly shocked by all of the bad things that were happening to Americans and Cubans that were being persecuted. The cause of the imperialistic ideas were launched by the humanitarian problems that came into focus more with yellow journalism. American society was distraught, and they weren't necessarily looking for more land to take over.

Essential Question: If you were a U.S. citizen in 1898, do you think you would have supported the Spanish-American War effort and its aftermath? Explain your reasoning.

If I were a US citizen in 1898, I think I would have supported the Spanish-American War effort because it would have freed the Cubans that were being tortured by the Spanish. They finally got their own freedom- just like America once did from England. But, I would have not supported the aftermath of the war. This is because the US didn't make it clear that they were joining the war to get the Phillipines. They passed the Teller Amendment which explicitly stated that they weren't fighting for imperialistic ideals. But, now that they have won the war, they are making imperialistic moves. The American citizens were basically lied to about their intentions.

If violated, what was the United States authorized to do?

If violated, the US was authorized to bring American troops to Cuba to restore order.

What European country did Japan fight to establish itself as a legitimate world power? How was this dispute settled and who assisted in its resolution?

Japan fought Russia to establish itself as a legitimate world power. This dispute was settled in New Hampshire with a treaty. The United States (Teddy Roosevelt) helped in its resolution.

What types of things are defined as "Chronic Wrongdoing"?

Large debts and civil unrest were classified as "Chronic Wrongdoing."

What other outfit deserves credit for their role in that same victory?

Leonard Wood was another soldier in the invasion- he was commander of the Rough Riders.

Explain the perspective of Yankee Imperialism and how it could be justified?

Many Latin American countries weren't happy with Yankee Imperialism because they felt that the US was being too controlling. It could be justified by creating a case for the Latin Americans saying that they couldn't have done the things we were doing to help them without us. These actions were for the good of the Latin Americans.

What influenced American public opinion about the events in Cuba?

Newspapers of the yellow journalists were influencing American opinions about the events in Cuba.

The United States choose Panama over

Nicaragua as the site for the canal despite the challenges it presented.

Why might one question the U.S. actions in initiating that batte?

One might question the US's actions in initiating the battle because the US knew they were very strong, and it was very probable that they would beat the Spanish.

What problem did Panama present as a site for construction? What advantages?

Panama was not an independent state, and the US would need to negotiate with Columbia to build the canal. Also, it was very mountainous and complex to move ships around to build. Some advantages of building in Panama is that there was already a canal that was partially built, but was stopped because of production and worker health issues. They could just continue to finish the previous project.

Why did President Cleveland react this way?

President Cleveland reacted in their way because he wanted to restore Liliuokalani to her throne. He thought that the US didn't have a right to annex Hawaii.

What did President Roosevelt do to display America's power? What was the intentions of this action?

Roosevelt sent the new American Navy on a world wide tour to display its power. The intention of this action was to intimidate potential aggressors, in particular Japan.

How did the United States Secretary of State John Hay attempt to exert American influence in China and get in on the "game"? Why did the Europeans accept the US proposal?

Secretary of State John Hay attempted to exert American influence in China by circulating letters among the powers called Open Doors Notes that agreed to free trade in China. Although Great Britain was the only one to officially agree to this, Hay lied and said that all of the imperial powers said yes. So, they were faced with remaining silent while the open door went into effect because they didn't want to tell the world of their greedy nature.

What countries did the United States almost come blows with over the Samoan Islands? How was this issue resolved?

Some countries that caused problems were Germany and Italy. There was a compromise that was arranged.

How did the some ridicule Seward's purchase of Alaska?

Some ridiculed Seward's purchase of Alaska because they thought it was a waste of money for the type of land that was going to be purchased.

Who was sent to control the Cuban population?

Spain sent General Valeriano Weyler to control the Cuban population.

How was Spain compensated as the result of the Treaty of Paris?

Spain was given $20 million dollars.

What steps did President Roosevelt take to prevent European intervention in Latin America? What previous US policy in Latin America did this coincide with?

Teddy Roosevelt established that the US military would intervene if any Latin American nation engaged in Chronic Wrongdoing.

Which president gave the Monroe Doctrine new meaning?

Teddy Roosevelt gave the Monroe Doctrine a new meaning.

How did the American public feel regarding Hawaii?

The American public was in favor of the annexation of Hawaii.

How did the Delome letter contribute to tension between the U.S. and Spain?

The Delome letter contributed to the tension between the US and Spain because the minister of Spain was talking about the President behind his back.

What did the the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907 call for?

The Gentleman's Agreement of 1907 called for the US to end the practice of separate schooling in exchange for a promise to end Japanese immigration.

What event in the Havana Harbor strained the already fragile relationship between the United States and Spain?

The Havana Harbor strained the relationship between the US and Spain even more because supposedly the Spanish bombed an American battleship that killed 260 sailors.

What country was the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty with and what were its terms?

The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty was with the newly independent country of Panama. Its terms were that the US would be awarded a 10 mile strip of land.

What disrupted the Hay- Herran Treaty and what was the United States response?

The Hay-Herran Treaty was disrupted because the Columbian senate wanted more money. The United States sent a US gunboat to the shore of Columbia, and the Columbians didn't have the power to stop it.

How did the Japanese feel about the end results of the Portsmouth Treaty?

The Japanese felt that they should have been awarded more concessions, and there were Anti-American riots going on after the Portsmouth Treaty came into place.

What was the Japanese reaction to the agreement?

The Japanese's reaction to the agreement was

How did the McKinley Tariff affect the Hawaiian sugar trade?

The McKinley Tariff affected the Hawaiian sugar trade because it raised import rates on sugar. Hawaiian planters didn't like this because it caused a depression in the land.

Why was the Monroe Doctrine largely an "empty document" when issued in 1823?

The Monroe Doctrine was largely an "empty document" when it was issued in 1823 because it was very bold and it made European expansion in the West incapable because the US wasn't powerful enough to defend themselves.

What was the result of European imperialism in China and what was America's involvement in the incident?

The Open Door Notes went into effect, and China had free trade among the imperial powers. America lied about them agreeing, and the powers didn't want to admit to being greedy about their trade in China so it went into effect anyway.

What military unit gained fame during the invasion of Cuba and which of it founding members would become President?

The Rough Riders gained fame during the invasion of Cuba. It was organized by Theodore Roosevelt.

What potential did the U.S Senate see in the purchase of Alaska?

The Senate saw potential for the purchase of Alaska because they saw it as a source of natural resources.

What did the US Congress pass to insure that American actions in Cuba would not be seen as imperialistic?

The US Congress passed the Teller Amendment that promised America would not annex the island.

Why was the US victory relatively easy?

The US victory was relatively easy because they were much more powerful than the Spanish at the time.

Who did the United States have to negotiate with for the 1903 Hay-Herran Treaty. What were the terms of the treaty?

The United States had to negotiate with Columbia for the 1903 Hay-Herran Treaty. The terms of the treaty were that Columbia would lease a 6 mile wide strip of land to the US at an annual fee.

What treaty did the The United States have to nullify in order to build a canal? Why was this agreed to in the first place?

The United States had to nullify the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty in order to build a canal. This was agreed to in the first place because they were both fearful that they would build an isthmian canal for national advantage.

What did the United States receive as a result of the Treaty?

The United States received the Philippines and the islands of Guam and Puerto Rico.

Which non-European country was "new" to the imperial scene?

The United States was fairly new to the imperialism scene.

Explain the Valparaiso Incident in Chili and how it was resolved.

The Valparaiso Incident in Chili was when two American sailors were killed in a bar in Valparaiso. It was resolved when the US forced the people of Chili to pay compensation.

What advantages did Nicaragua present as site for construction? Why was it not chosen?

The advantages Nicaragua offered as a site for construction was that it would be closer to the US, it was a flatter landscape, and there were many lakes that could be connected to it. It wasn't chosen because of the volcanic activity there.

How much did the canal cost and when did it open?

The canal cost $345 million, and it opened in 1914.

What event almost triggered a state of war with Italy?

The event that almost triggered a state of war with Italy was when eleven Italians were lynched in New Orleans.

What justification was used to resist British claims in South America?

The justification that was used to resist British claims in South America was the Monroe Doctrine which kept the US in the Western Hemisphere, and the British in the Eastern.

What were the methods used by the Spanish to control the Cuban revolutionaries?

The methods used by the Spanish to control the Cuban revolutionaries were the use of concentration camps and execution.

What actions did newly inaugurated President Cleveland take in regards to the situation in Hawaii?

The newly inaugurated President Cleveland thought that they shamed Hawaii, and he withdrew the annexation treaty from the Senate and ordered an investigation into potential wrongdoings.

Who did planters appeal to for aid?

The planters appealed to the United States army for protection.

What direct action did the planters take?

The planters planned to overthrow the Queen.

What was the result and terms of the this negotiation?

The result and terms of this negotiation were the passing of the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty which permitted the US to build and fortify a Central American canal. This could be done as long as the Americans promised to charge the same fares to all nations.

What is the significance of the Battle of Manila Bay?

The significance of the Battle of Manila Bay is that it is one of the greatest success stories. The US dominated the Spanish.

What strategic point was key to victory in Cuba?

The strategic point that was key to the victory in Cuba was the Rough Riders which were cowboys, adventurous college students, and ex-convicts that helped the war effort.

What economic activity increased American interest in the islands?

The sugar trade increased American interest in the islands.

What two incidents almost brought America into conflict with the British Empire?

The two incidents that almost brought America into conflict with the British Empire were when Great Britain insisted their boundary of British Guiana included gold forests which was also claimed by Venezuela. Also, when the Monroe Doctrine was submitted, they failed to claim their arbitration.

Which two journalists competed for sensational headlines about the Cuban Revolution?

The two journalists that competed for sensational headlines about the Cuban Revolutions were William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

What other events influenced the situation in Hawaii and how did new American leadership respond?

The war with Spain in 1898 influenced the situation because the navy bases in Hawaii were a path to the Spanish Philippines. McKinley signed a joint resolution that annexed the island.

What did white planters do to solve the problems created by the Mckinley Tariff?

The white planters knew that if Hawaii was annexed, the tariff problem would disappear.

How did these actions impact the Hawaiian monarchy?

These actions impacted the Hawaiian monarchy because the queen was forced to abdicate.

Explain how this new policy was first employed.

This new policy was first employed when the Dominican Republic was in trouble with invasion by European debt collectors, and the US invaded the island, seized its customs houses, and ruled the Dominican Republic as a protectorate until the situation was resolved.

The Treaty of Paris ended the war between the

United States and Spain.

What role did yellow journalism (a practice of using sensational headlines to sell newspapers) play in these events?

Yellow journalisms played a major role in these events because they were the ones bringing the news to America, and they told the story of these events to American citizens.

Essential Question: In opposing Europe's Spheres of influence policy in China, the United States took care of itself as well. Explain.

Yes, the United States took care of itself well in my opinion. This is because they stood up for themselves by establishing the Open Door policy which made trading with China more accessible. Also, they managed to create better relations with China because of their trading increases. Also, They helped balance peace between Japan and Russia. Although Japan was not happy with this, they still managed to respect the US's ideals eventually. They also managed to make their way into European Power trading, which no other non-European power could do before. Overall, they managed to do what was best for them, and they had more influence in trading and in China.

The deterioration of U.S. relations with Spain were accelerated by

a number of events.

Cubans revolted against Spanish rule for

a variety of reasons.

The United States had an interest in Hawaii since the 1820's, but the islands became a primary focus of American foreign policy

later in the century.

The Panama canal was an engineering marvel that had to

overcome numerous obstacles to be built.

The United States, fearing European intervention in Latin America at the turn of the century, took steps to

prevent it.

Japan, a rising imperial power in its own right, was becoming a concern for America as it attempted to exert its influence in Asia. This coupled with restrictive immigration policies in the United States created

rising tension between the two nations.

The United States had always asserted it rights in Latin America through

the Monroe Doctrine issued in 1823

Despite being heavily outnumbered the United States was able to defeat

the Spanish in Cuba.

Beginning in 1854 with the "opening" of Japan the United States recognized

the importance of Asia.

In order to build a canal the United States first had to negotiate with

the other great naval power, Great Britain.

Several actions were taken by the planters to protect

their interests.

During the early to mid 1890s the United States had a number of diplomatic incidents that brought America

to the brink of war.

China, while not technically conquered by a foreign country,

was still dominated by foreign powers.