Foreign and Imperial policies 1890-1912

Question 1

Reason for US involvement in the Spanish-American War 1898

Answer 1

1) Economic reasons, with America seeking new markets in response to the 1893 Depression
2) To protect US interest of Cuban sugar, as Spain would be defeated easily. This meant that the USA would benefit from greater investment in Cuba and increased trade.

Question 2

Result of the Spanish-American War 1898

Answer 2

1) The USA was able to purchase the Philippines for $20 million
2) The war had protected and provided for the expansion of its economic interests in Cuba
3) The USA achieved greater political control over the island.

Question 3

Motives for imperialism

• Need for markets

Answer 3

1) The USA believed that this need for markets could be met by the ‘Open Door’ policy rather than actual territorial expansion.
2) The Depression of 1893 stimulated a desire to see new markets.
3) The USA faced surpluses in farm produce and needed markets to absorb these.

Question 4

Reason for US involvement in Latin America in the 1890s

Answer 4

1) To develop trade links

2) US business interests sought to exploit South and and Central America.

Question 5

Hawaii

What happened?

Answer 5

In 1898, USA annexed Hawaii.

Question 6

Why did USA annexed Hawaii in 1898

Answer 6

Hawaii was important as a stopping station on the way to Japan and China and US missionaries had settled there.

Question 7

The US and Hawaiian economy since 1875

Answer 7

The USA had imported Hawaiian sugar duty free since 1875 and Hawaii became increasingly dependent on the US economy.

Question 8

Fact on America’s involvement in Hawaii’s economy

Answer 8

By the 1890s, there were 3,000 American sugar growers out of the 90,000 Hawaiians living on the island.

Question 9

What did the USA do in 1890 on Hawaii’s economy

Answer 9

In 1890, the McKinley Tariff removed duties on raw sugar so the Hawaiian growers lost their trading advantage and began to suffer as a result of competition form other sugar interest, especially in Cuba.

Question 10

What did America do in 1887

• Navy

Answer 10

In 1887, the USA established its first major Pacific naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Question 11

Why did the USA purchase the Philippines in 1898

• American ideals

Answer 11

Many felt that the USA would be able to civilise the islanders through converting them to Christianity and ‘superior’ American ideals

Question 12

Why did the USA purchase the Philippines in 1898

• Preclusive

Answer 12

Preclusive imperialism, the fear was that the Philippines might be taken over by Britain