Chapter 27: Empire and Expansion 1890-1909 Flashcards
- What were the causes and consequences of the Spanish-American War? Did the results of the war (particularly the acquisition of the Philippines) flow from the nature of the war, or were they unexpected?
In 1894 Cuban Sugar production was severely stunted by the American tariff. The Spanish then worked their Cuban slaves even harder, fueling the already passionate resistance. The people revolted, and the American people began to sympathize with their plight. Americans garnered support for the Cubans, and the Spanish feared that the Americans would aid the Cubans. Just as tensions were rising, an American ship, the Maine, was blown up. Americans suspected the Spanish and called for war. The war ended with many gains for America, including the Philippines and Puerto Rico. Because of the nature of the war, Cuba was set free. The war started as a fight for their independence and the sympathy of Americans, so naturally they would be freed in the end.
- How was American expansionism overseas similar to previous continental expansion westward, and how was it different?
American expansionism was different from previous continental expansion westward because much of it did not result directly from the desire to acquire land. Expansion westward came from the desire for Manifest Destiny, expansionism came from the desire to help others escape dictatorships, for example the Spanish-American war. One way that American Expansionism was similar to continental expansion westward was the way Americans acquired Hawaii. It was out of a desire for land and wealth, much like the doctrine of Manifest Destiny.
- What were the elements of idealism and realism in American expansionism in the 1890s? How have Americans incorporated both of these seemingly contradictory philosophies in their foreign policy?
There were elements of both idealism and realism in American expansion of the 1890s. For example, the views that drove imperialism during this time were idealistic; Americans wanted to spread the ideals of liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. They wanted to fulfill the White Man’s Burden. Whenever they took Hawaii, however, an element of realism came into play. They intended to annex Hawaii in hopes of benefiting both themselves and the natives, but in reality they only brought disease and trouble.
- Did Roosevelt more often speak softly or use the big stick? Was his approach to foreign policy aggressive or simply energetic?
Roosevelt often used “the big stick” aggressively in his foreign policy. For example, Roosevelt made the Panama canal into a central area for the American Military, a major show of force in the area that ensured American control. Roosevelt also made use of this stick when he perverted the Monroe Doctrine and created the Roosevelt Corollary. He was worried that there would be financial problems arising in the future in Latin American nations, so the US was to get involved by taking over completely to ensure that no other nations could intervene. Despite this aggressive foreign policy, Roosevelt no doubt believed that he was peacemaking.
- How did the Roosevelt Corollary distort the Monroe Doctrine? What were the consequences of the Roosevelt Corollary for American relations with Latin America?
Multiple Latin American countries had debts with European countries. In 1903, Germany attacked a town in Venezuela because of this. Roosevelt was spurred on to action. He was afraid that the Europeans would seize control of Latin American countries, violating the Monroe Doctrine. In an effort to prevent this, he twisted the Monroe Doctrine and created the Roosevelt Corollary, announcing that further abuse or interference by debtors in Latin America would cause the US to intervene. This promoted the “Bad Neighbor” policy, resulting in consequences such as the justification of total intervention on the part of Americans. Latin Americans’ Impression of America as a bully continued to form.
