Age of Imperialism Flashcards
Which territory did the United States purchase from Russia for $7.2 Million?
Alaska
Why was yellow journalism used by newspapers?
influence public opinion
How was Japan effected by the Treaty of Kanagawa?
they became an industrialized nation
What were the reasons for imperialism?
Racism, competition, and the need for raw materials and new markets.
What type of country was Japan prior to the Treaty of Kanagawa?
Isolationist
How did Americans react to the purchase of Alaska?
they called is Sewards Folly because many thought it was a frozen ice box.
What were the causes of the Spanish American War?
Cuban atrocities, U.S. was protecting it’s business interests in Cuba, sinking of the Maine, and yellow journalism.
Define yellow journalism.
Sensational newspaper reporting.
Define annex.
add on.
What was the real cause of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine?
it was an accident that occurred on board the ship.
“…You furnish the pictures; I’ll furnish the war.” Which cause of the Spanish-American War is demonstrated by the above statement?
yellow journalism.
Define isolationism.
a country that wants to stay out of world affairs.
Define expansionism.
policy of extending a nation’s boundaries.
Define Gunboat Diplomacy.
Using military forces to frighten foreigners into signing agreements.
Define annex.
Add on or take over.
Define imperialism.
the policy of powerful countries seeking to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries.
Define racism.
belief that one race is superior to another.
What was included in the Treaty of Kanagawa?
Japan accepts to help shipwrecked sailors and open up two ports to American trade.
What was the goal of the “Righteous Fists of Harmony” or the Boxers?
Resist foreign influence.
The Spanish-American war was touched off by the explosion of…
The U.S.S. Maine
Who were the Rough Riders?
A regiment of soldiers under Teddy Roosevelt who fought in Cuba.
Why was the Spanish-American War called “a splendid little war”?
The Spanish-American War was “splendid” in that it was won quickly and decisively by the United States, with very few American casualties.
What did President Fillmore request in his letter to the Japanese emperor, which was delivered by Commodore Perry?
Fillmore requested that Japan open itself to trade with the United States.
Who did the American press claim was responsible for the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine? Who really did it?
The American press blamed the Spanish for blowing up the Maine. The Maine blew up most likely from an accident that occurred inside the ship.
Alfred Mahan
Wrote book “The Influence of Sea Power On History.” Led to American Interest in overseas expansion.
Sphere of Influence
an area, usually near a seaport, where a nation had special trading privileges.
William Randolph Hearst
the publisher of the New York Newspaper Journal. Hearst competed against Joseph Pulitzer to print the worst stories about Spain’s acts of cruelty and brutality. Hearst and Pulitzer did this because they knew that a war with Spain would boost the sales of their newspapers.
Big Stick Diplomacy
used in reference to any foreign policy that made negotiations with diplomatic grace, backed by the possible threat of military force.
Which cause of the Spanish-American War is demonstrated in this political cartoon?
Yellow Journalism
Define dollar diplomacy.
Taft’s policy of building strong economic ties to Latin America.
Define Moral Diplomacy.
Wilson’s policy of condemning imperialism, spreading democaracy, and promoting peace.
Define Monroe Doctrine.
President Monroe’s policy statement warning European nations not to intefere in Latin America.
Which President extended the Monroe Doctrine?
President Theodore Roosevelt
Which President wanted to “substitue dollars for bullets” in Latin America?
President William H. Taft
What was the advantage of Dollar Diplomacy?
it helped to build roads, railroads, and harbors in Latin America. These improvements increased trade.
What would be a negative factor of Dollar Diplomacy?
American businesses such as the United Fruit Company, often meddled in the political affairs of host countries.
Which President ordered military intervention in Latin America more than any other President?
President Woodrow Wilson
Define isthmus.
A narrow strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land.
How did the United States get the ability to build a canal through Panama?
By helping the Panamanians revolt against Colombia.
Which President is known for his “Big Stick” policy?
President Theodore Roosevelt
Why did Russia sell Alaska to the United States?
They needed the money, it was to far to govern, and they did not see the value in it.
What did Captain Alfred T. Mahan argue in his book The Influence of Sea Power Upon History?
Prosperity of America depended on trade and a bigger Navy was needed to protect merchant ships.
How would Hawaii benefit the United States once they annexed it?
Rich soil, plenty of rainfall, allows farmers to grow crops all year round. From a military standpoint it could be a strategic advantage in the Pacific.
Define Foraker Act.
Gave Puerto Rico a limited say in their own affairs. U.S. sets up a new government.
Define Platt Amendment.
Allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba and gave the U.S. control of the Naval Base Guantanamo Bay.
Define Protectorate.
A nation whose independence is limited by a more powerful country.
What were some of the benefits of the Panama Canal?
shorter sea route, connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, reduced the cost of shipping, the Navy could move ships quicker.
What lands did the United States aquire after the Spanish-American War?
Phillipines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico
