26) Key events and issues related to U.S. expansionism (1898 to present)

Question 1

Causes of the Spanish-American War

Answer 1

• Battleship Main was sunk mysteriously in Havana Harbor
• Circulation battle between the ‘yellow journalism’ newspapers
• Sensational headlines and lurid stories aroused public support for a war to liberate Cuba from Spanish control

Question 2

Spanish American War (1989) - Overview

Answer 2

• A conflict between the US and Spain that ended Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in US acquisition of territories in the Western Pacific and Latin America

Question 3

Territorial results of Spanish American War

Answer 3

• Spain relinquished control of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam and the Philippines to the US
• US established a protectorate over Cuba

Question 4

Debate over Annexing Philippines

Answer 4

• Anti-Imperialism League opposed annexation, arguing that it violated America’s long-established principles of self-determination and anti-colonialism
• Supporters of annexation argued that America had a moral responsibility to “civilize” the islands
• Philippines could become a valuable trading partner

Question 5

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904)

Answer 5

• Claimed that US had right to assume role of an ‘international police power”
• wanted to forestall any European intervention in Latin America

Question 6

Taft and Dollar Diplomacy

Answer 6

• Taft believed he could use economic investment to bolster American foreign policy
• Little success in Asia and Latin America

Question 7

Open Door Policy (1899)

Answer 7

• As China’s Manchu dynasty weakened, European powers carved out spheres of influence where they exercised political leverage and obtained exclusive commercial privileges
• US wanted to protect American missionaries and commercial interests
• Hay sent note (1899) to nations with spheres of influence in China calling for open access to China for American investment and commercial interests
• Policy underscored America’s commitment to free trade and opposition to obstacles that thwarted international commerce

Question 8

Construction of the Panama Canal (1914)

Answer 8

• US constructed a canal across 50-mile stretch of the Panama isthmus
• Proved a vital component to expanding global trade routes in the 20th century