17-18 test Flashcards

Question

Briefly describe the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898.

Answer 1

Definition: The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, with Spain ceding control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. Importance: The treaty marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global imperial power, acquiring overseas territories and establishing new spheres of influence.

Answer 2

Definition: A series of diplomatic notes sent by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay in 1899 and 1900, urging European powers to allow equal trading rights in China and to prevent the country from being divided into exclusive spheres of influence. Importance: The Open Door Policy helped ensure that the U.S. could trade freely with China, preventing the exclusion of American businesses from Chinese markets and further establishing U.S. influence in Asia.

Answer 3

Definition: A violent uprising in China in 1900 by a group known as the "Boxers," who opposed foreign influence and the spread of Christianity. The rebellion was eventually crushed by an international coalition, including U.S. forces. Importance: The Boxer Rebellion further highlighted the U.S.'s growing role in global affairs, especially in Asia, and reinforced the importance of maintaining open trade routes in China.

Answer 4

Definition: Puerto Rico became a key territory after the Spanish-American War, with the U.S. interested in its strategic location in the Caribbean, its potential for economic resources, and its military significance. Importance: The U.S. saw Puerto Rico as a valuable acquisition for controlling the Caribbean and for projecting power into Latin America.

Answer 5

Definition: The Boxer Rebellion was sparked by anti-foreign and anti-Christian sentiment in China, particularly by the “Boxers” (a nationalist group). It was crushed by an eight-nation alliance, including the U.S., which sent troops to help put down the rebellion. Importance: The U.S. played a significant role in suppressing the rebellion, signaling its growing influence in East Asia and its commitment to maintaining open trade in China.

Answer 6

Definition: A man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, built across the Isthmus of Panama. The U.S. completed its construction in 1914. Importance: The Panama Canal was a major engineering feat and provided a crucial shortcut for U.S. naval and commercial ships, significantly boosting U.S. trade and military capabilities.

Answer 7

Definition: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine announced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, stating that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention. Importance: The Roosevelt Corollary justified U.S. intervention in Latin America, expanding American influence in the Western Hemisphere and asserting the U.S. as a dominant power in the region.

Answer 8

Definition: The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) was triggered by competing imperial ambitions in Manchuria and Korea. Russia and Japan clashed over territorial control in East Asia, leading to a military conflict. Importance: The U.S. played a diplomatic role in mediating peace, particularly through the Treaty of Portsmouth, which ended the war. The conflict signaled Japan’s rise as a global power and the U.S.'s role as a mediator in international affairs.

Answer 9

Definition: The USS Maine was a U.S. Navy battleship commissioned in 1895. It was sent to Havana, Cuba, in 1898 to protect American interests during Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain. On February 15, 1898, the ship exploded in Havana Harbor, killing over 250 crew members. The cause of the explosion remains disputed, but it was widely blamed on sabotage by Spain, although later investigations suggested an internal accident. Importance: Catalyst for the Spanish-American War: The explosion of the Maine sparked outrage and helped lead to the U.S. declaring war on Spain in April 1898. U.S. Imperial Expansion: The war resulted in the U.S. acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a shift toward imperialism.

Answer 10

Definition: The Pure Food and Drug Act was a U.S. federal law passed on June 30, 1906. Its main purpose was to regulate the labeling and sale of food and medicines to ensure they were safe, accurately labeled, and not adulterated or misbranded. The act aimed to protect consumers from harmful ingredients and misleading claims made by manufacturers. It also led to the creation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was tasked with overseeing its enforcement. Importance: Consumer Protection: The act was a major step in safeguarding public health by preventing the sale of unsafe or falsely labeled food and drugs. Precursor to Modern Regulations: It laid the foundation for later food and drug regulations, influencing laws like the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938. Increased Trust in Products: The law helped build consumer confidence by ensuring that products on the market met certain safety and quality standards.

Answer 11

José Martí (1853–1895) was a Cuban poet, journalist, and revolutionary leader, widely regarded as a national hero in Cuba. He is best known for his writings advocating for Cuban independence from Spanish colonial rule and for his role in inspiring the Cuban War of Independence. Martí's works blend political thought with poetic expression, emphasizing liberty, justice, and unity among Latin American countries. Importance: José Martí was instrumental in the Cuban independence movement, rallying support for the cause through his writings and leadership. His literary legacy endures, influencing Latin American literature and political ideology. He is remembered not only as a champion of Cuban freedom but also as a symbol of unity for Latin American nations, advocating for resistance against imperialism and colonialism throughout the region.

Answer 12

Definition: The de Lome Letter was a private letter written by Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish ambassador to the United States, to a friend in Cuba in February 1898. In the letter, de Lôme criticized U.S. President William McKinley, calling him weak and a poor leader, and disparaged U.S. policies toward Cuba. The letter was intercepted and published by the New York Journal, stirring public outrage in the United States. Importance: The publication of the de Lôme Letter significantly increased anti-Spanish sentiment in the U.S., contributing to the growing tensions between the U.S. and Spain. Many Americans viewed the letter as an insult to their president and nation, further fueling calls for war. It is often seen as one of the key events leading up to the Spanish-American War, just weeks before the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which became the final catalyst for U.S. military intervention.

Answer 13

Definition: The Bully Pulpit is a term coined by Theodore Roosevelt to describe the powerful platform of the presidency, which he believed could be used to promote and advance important issues. The word "bully" in this context means "excellent" or "outstanding," so a bully pulpit refers to an opportunity to speak out and advocate for change. Importance: Roosevelt effectively used the bully pulpit to shape public opinion and push for reforms during his presidency. He used his position to promote progressive policies, such as trust-busting, labor rights, and conservation. By leveraging the media and his public presence, Roosevelt set a precedent for future presidents in using the office as a tool to influence public policy and rally support for legislative action.