Imperialism: America Becomes A World Power Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Imperialism: America Becomes A World Power Deck (27)
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1
Q

Define Imperialism

A

Imperialism is when a stronger country dominates or takes over a weaker country OR territory for some gain. This is usually in the form of economic, political or military domination.

2
Q

What are the major economic motives (or reasons) for imperialism?

A

To get raw materials for industry and to create new markets to sell goods to.

3
Q

What are the major social motives (or reasons) for imperialism?

A

Social Darwinism, White Man’s Burden, and to spread religion (missionary spirit).

4
Q

What did Commodore Matthew Perry do in the 1850s to help America’s position in the world?

A

He opened Japan to trade. Japan had been closed to foreigners since the 1600s. Perry was sent there by President Millard Fillmore to deliver a message. After threatening the use of American force, Japan agreed to allow US ships to use Japanese Ports. This effectively opened Japan to the US and the world.

5
Q

How did the US acquire Alaska?

A

The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for around 7.2 million dollars in 1867. This was viewed as a mistake at the time, and was called “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox” after the Secretary of State William H. Seward. Today, it is viewed as a great deal!

6
Q

What was the Open Door Policy?

A

In the late 1800s, European countries were taking over “Spheres of Influence” in China. The U.S. feared that these European countries would try to CLOSE the US out of China (e.g. slam the door in our face). The Open Door Policy was the American position, which called for China to remain OPEN for trade with all nations, particularly the US. Think: TRADE WITH CHINA (ASIA).

7
Q

This was annexed in 1898 after American business interests, led by Sanford B. Dole, helped stage a bloodless revolt to overthrow the Queen (her name was Liliuokalani) in 1893. The U.S. then built a famous naval base there in 1899.

A

Hawaii was annexed in 1898. Pearl Harbor is the naval based referred to, which becomes very important on December 7, 1941…a date which will live in infamy.

8
Q

This was was fought during 4 months in 1898. It was a major victory for the United States and helped establish the US as a power in the world.

A

Spanish-American War (1898).

9
Q

This was a cause of the Spanish-American War. Newspapers were using sensational (almost like tabloid) headlines and exaggerated stories to stir up the passions and anger of the American people.

A

Yellow Journalism

10
Q

This newspaper publisher famously said: “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” He was referring to the Spanish-American War, which was in part, caused by Yellow Journalism.

A

William Randolph Hearst

11
Q

This American ship exploded in Havana Harbor off the coast of Cuba. The US press (newspapers) blamed Spain and this became a cause of the Spanish-American War.

A

The USS Maine.

“Remember the Maine, To Hell With Spain”

Later evidence would indicate that the ship most likely exploded due to an accident, NOT because of the Spanish.

12
Q

What was the De Lome Letter?

A

A letter, written by a Spanish official,which criticized the American President William McKinley, calling him a weak, coward, spineless politician. This became another cause of the Spanish-American War.

13
Q

The Spanish-American War was fought in TWO theaters (locations). What were they?

A

1) Pacific (Philippines and Guam)

2) Caribbean (Cuba and Puerto Rico)

14
Q

Teddy Roosevelt famously led this group of soldiers, who became heroes of the American war effort in the Caribbean.

A

The Rough Riders

15
Q

This treaty (in 1898) ended the Spanish-American War. In this treaty, the US gained territory in exchange for a payment to Spain of $20 million dolllars (for the Philippines).

A

The Treaty of Paris (1898)

16
Q

What territories did the United States acquire as a result of the Spanish-American War?

A

1) Philippines
2) Guam
3) Puerto Rico

Although we did NOT get Cuba, we did increase our influence (control) over Cuba, at least temporarily.

17
Q

Why was the Spanish-American War so significant?

A

It established the United States as a World Power. In just 4 months, the US soundly defeated the Spanish. The rest of the world recognizes that America was now a strong country, able to enforce the Monroe Doctrine if needed.

18
Q

Who took over the Presidency after William McKinley was assassinated in 1901?

A

Theodore (“Teddy”) Roosevelt

19
Q

Explain the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.

A

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine ADDED TO the Monroe Doctrine. It basically said that not only should Europe stay out of our hemisphere (Monroe Doctrine), but that within our hemisphere, the United States would act as an “International Police Power,” especially in Latin America.

20
Q

What is the nickname given to Teddy Roosevelt’s style or brand of foreign policy?

A

Big Stick Diplomacy

The ‘big stick’ was the US Navy, which Teddy Roosevelt helped to build up the strength of.

21
Q

What was ‘The Great White Fleet”?

A

The popular nickname for the United States Navy battle fleet that completed a trip around the globe from 1907 to 1909 by the order of President Theodore Roosevelt. Although it was a PEACEFUL mission, it was meant to show off American naval power.

22
Q

How did the US get the right to build the Panama Canal?

A

The French tried to build the canal in the 1800s and failed. Teddy Roosevelt asked Columbia (which controlled Panama) if the US could built it. They said NO! So, Teddy Roosevelt used the American military to help support a revolt by the people of Panama against Columbia. Then, the new nation of Panama let us build the canal and have the right to use it. It opened in 1914 - the same year World War I began.

23
Q

What famous book was written by Alfred T. Mahan that said American leaders should build a stronger navy and establish naval bases in Hawaii, Cuba, and the Philippines?

A

The Influence of Sea Power On History was the name of this book, by Afred T. Mahan.

24
Q

What is “Jingoism?”

A

Jingoism means EXTREME, AGGRESSIVE NATIONALISM. This often means support for using military force in our foreign policy.

25
Q

This rebellion erupted in China in 1900, as a group of Chinese nationalists killed foreign missionaries and attacked foreign officials in China. They wanted less foreign influence over their country of China.

A

Boxer Rebellion

26
Q

President William Howard Taft used a foreign policy called _______ _______. It relied LESS on the “big stick” of the military and more on money. Taft called for America to expand (increase) its economic (financial) investments in other countries.

A

Dollar Diplomacy

Because of Dollar Diplomacy, the US demonstrated they were willing to act to protect American business investments and interests, especially in Latin America.

27
Q

Woodrow Wilson’s foreign policy which suggested that the US would NOT use force to assert its influence in the world, but would instead work to promote human rights and strive to do the right thing.

A

Moral Diplomacy

Evidence of this can be seen even as America was drawn into World War I. Wilson called for “Peace Without Victory” and his Fourteen Points proposed a fairness that was rare in world history in the aftermath of war.