FP (1890-1920) Flashcards
2 - (3) (2)
List FP developments during the 1890s
- Pacific
- Samoa
- Hawaii
- Phillipines
- LA
- Venezuela
- Spanish-American War (Cuba and Puerto Rico)
2 - (4) (2)
List FP developments during the 1900s
- LA
- Cuba
- Panama Canal
- DR
- Nicaragua
- Far East
- China
- Japan
7
List the motives behind a more expansionist FP 1890-1913
- Accidental Empire
- Progressive Imperalism
- Need for markets
- End of Westward Expansion
- Preclusive Imperalism
- Monroe Doctrine 1823
- Roosevelt Corollary 1904
3
Explain accidental empire as a motive for American expansionism 1890-1913
- Argument USA never sought empire
- USA did not need empire due to huge economic trade with Britain
- Annexation of Phillipines due to deciding vote of VP Hobart
4
Explain Progressive Imperalism as a motive for American expansionism 1890-1913
- sense of moral obligation
- e.g. removal of yellow fever in Cuba
- linked to WASP missionaries and ideals of civilisation
- became ‘moral diplomacy’ in 20th century
3
Explain Preclusive Imperalism as a motive for American expansionism 1890-1913
- countries took colonies to prevent others from doing so
- copy European power model in Africa/Asia
- used Monroe Doctrine to expand in Central America and Caribbean
5
Describe America’s involvement in Samoa in the 1890s
- First began in 1872 when the King of Samoa offered the US the naval base of Pago Pago on island - refused
- Strong British and German interest as trading post
- Samoan CW 1898 - British/America supported opposing side to Germany
- 1899, abolished Samoan monarchy and signed Tripartite Convention
- USA established protectorate in Eastern Samoa and Western Samoa became German colony
protectorate - state controlled and protected by another
6
Describe America’s involvement in Hawaii in the 1890s
- Important stopping station to Japan/China
- Major naval prescence
- By 1890s, there were 3k American sugar growers out of 90k Hawaiians living on island
- 1890, McKinley Tariff raised import prices on foreign sugar, so Hawaiian growers lost trading advantage
- 1891, Hawaiian Queen Liluiokalani led rebellion - surrendered in 3 days
- 1898, McKinley annexed Hawaii
3
Describe American expansion into the Phillipines in the 1890s
- US purchased Philippine Islands for $20m in Treaty of Paris (1898)
- Various reasons for purchase
- Subsequent Phillipine-American War
3
Describe the reasons for the purchase of the Phillipine Islands
- ‘Civilise’ islanders through teaching of democracy and christianity
- Filipinos seemed incapable of ruling themselves effectively
- Preclusive - prevent islands being taken by Britain, Germany or Japan
4
Describe the Phillipine-American War 1899-1902
- Strong opp to annexation of islands in both Philippines and USA - Filipinos had fought for ind
- USA had to fight 3.5yr war of subjugation
- War cost $600m
- By 1904, 126k troops stationed in Philippines
5
Describe American involvement in Venezuela in the 1890s
- 1895, dispute over Venezuela’s border with British colony of Guiana
- Pres Cleveland demanded that Britain send dispute to arbitration
- rejected by PM Salisbury
- British backed down when USA threatened to send 54 vessels to disputed area
- Arbitration eventually decided in favour of USA/Venezuela
3
Describe American involvement in Puerto Rico in the 1890s
- Former spanish colony (with some autonomy)
- US invaded in 1898 during Spanish-American War
- Organic Act 1900 - Puerto Rico to be administered by USA
7
List causes behind the Spanish-American War
- Yellow Press
- Economic interests
- De Lome letter
- President McKinley
- Monroe Doctrine
- Cuban rebellion 1895-98
- The ‘Maine’ incident
1
Explain how the yellow press was a cause of the Spanish-American War
Sensationalist and patriotic press campaigns inflamed public opinion e.g. Maine incident
3
Explain how the De Lome letter was a cause of the Spanish-American war
- Stolen private letter from Spanish Ambassador to US (De Lome)
- Criticsed US FP under Pres McKinley
- accused McKinley of being ‘weak bidder for the admiration of the crowd’
3
Explain how President McKinley was a cause of the Spanish-American War
- Elected with pledge to protect US interests
- Trad resistant to war - persuaded by Congress
- USA could easily defeat Spain
2
Explain how economic interests were a cause of the Spanish-American War
- demand for Cuban sugar and greater investment
- distraction from Depression of 1890s
2
Explain how the Cuban Rebellion 1895-98 was a cause of the Spanish-American war
- Cuban revolutionaries demanded independence from Spain
- Spain offered concessions that were rejected
3
Explain how the Monroe Doctrine was a cause of the Spanish-American war
- Spain held Cuba - contravened MD
- Essential to maintain stability in Cuba (for sugar)
- In direct sphere of influence
3
Explain how ‘the Maine incident’ was a cause of the Spanish-American war
- Feb 1898, explosion of USS Maine in Havana Harbour, killing 266
- False accusations Spanish had caused explosion
- Yellow press - ‘Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain’
4
Describe the Spanish-American War
- April 1898, US forces launched double attack on Cuba and Philippines (Spanish territories)
- Naval blocade at Santiago (North) and South of island
- Surrender in Santiago after less than 3 weeks
- Roosevelt’s ‘rough riders’ became media frenzy
4
Describe the Treaty of Paris 1898
- Signed Aug 1898, ended war
- Cuban independence recognised but USA allowed possession of Guantanamo Bay
- Spain ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to USA
- USA purchased Philippines for $20m
3
Describe the long-term significance of the Spanish-American War
- 1st major foreign conflict post-CW
- USA entered Great Powers
- Elevated status of Roosevelt
4
Describe American involvement in Cuba in the 1900s
- Teller Amendment 1898 collapsed
- Platt Amendment 1901
- Cuban-American Treaty 1903
- US forces occupation: 1898-1902, 1906-1909 (unrest after 1905 Pres elecs), invasion in 1912 (put down revolt of former slaves)
2
Describe the Teller Amendment 1898
- Cuba would be given independence after war
- Opinion shifted to believing Cuba could not govern itself and that US commercial interests on the island were threatened
3
Describe the Platt Amendment 1901
- Gave US control over Cuban foreign financial and commercial affairs
- Limited Cuban sovereignty
- Gave US certain naval bases
3
Describe the Cuban-American Treaty 1903
- imposed new political system in country
- made its economy heavily dependent on USA e.g. Cuban sugar and tobacco tied to US market through preferential tariffs
- US goods entered Cuba at reductions varying from 25-40%
4
Describe America’s involvement in the Colombia (earlier canal attempts)
- Avoid dangerous route around SA
- ‘New Panama Canal Company’ set up to build canal
- Colombia demanded $15m from US Govt and $10m from company to build canal
- TR refused
6
Describe America’s involvement in the Panama Canal in the 1900s
- 1903, Panamanians stage a revolt for independence from Colombian rule
- Revolt supported by US - sent a battleship and a regiment
- Panama achieves independence
- Panama accepted $10m from USA to build canal
- Completed in 1914 with passage of SS Ancon through it
- Within a year, 1k ships were using it annually
5
Describe America’s involvement in the Dominican Republic in the 1900s
- 1903, DR defaulted on American loans worth $40m
- 1904, TR reluctant to invade and instead took control of customs revenue of Republic
- Used revenue to pay off debts
- TR described it as ‘big stick’ policy, negotiating peacefully whilst threatening strong defence (esp navy)
- ‘dollar diplomacy’ replaced war subjugation with investment
5
Describe America’s involvement in Nicaragua in 1909
- Importance to USA because of proximity and high levels of econ investment
- 1909, anti-American Pres Zelaaya cancelled economic privileges previously granted to US mining interests
- Pres Taft sent in marines to install pro-American pres, Adolfo Diaz
- Sec of State, Philander C. Knox extended American influence in nation by providing huge loans
- In return, USA controlled Nicagurana National Bank
2
Describe America’s involvement in Nicaragua in 1912
- 1912 - USA had to send in 3k troops when position of Diaz was threatened by revolution
- USA now set up protectorate and occupied country which didn’t formally end until 1933
4
Describe America’s involvement in China in the 1900s
- 1899, Hay (Sec of State) introduced Open Door policy
- Frst open door note proposed all nations maintained free and equal access to China’s ports
- Boxer Rebellion 1900 aimed at foreigners and America sent in small n of troops to rescue embassy workers
- At same time Hay extended OD policy w/ 2nd OD note, calling to protect China’s territorial integrity
6
Describe America’s involvement in Japan in the 1900s
- Tense relations at start: Japan threatened by annexation of Phillipines; US threatened by Japanese ambitions in China
- TR helped negotiate Treaty to end Russo-Japanese War
- Root-Takahira Agreement 1908
- agreed to respect each others interests in China
- maintain current situation in the Pacific
- Recognised Japan’s claim to Korea
4
Explain the Roosevelt Corollary 1904 as a motive for American Expansionism
- 1904, TR announced corollary to Monroe Doctrine
- sanctioned US armed intervention in LA to prevent collapse
- Set up US as de facto police force
- Used by TR and successors
corollary - statement that suceeds another
3
List examples of Accidental Empire as a motive 1890-1913
- Phillipines (1890s)
- Puerto Rico (1890s)
- Nicaragua (1900s)
2
List examples of Progressive Imperialism as a motive 1890-1913
- Phillipines (1890s)
- Cuba (1900s)
4
List examples of economic interests as a motive 1890-1913
- Hawaii (1890s)
- Spanish-American War (1890s)
- Panama Canal (1900s)
- China (1900s)
1
List examples of the End of Westward Expansion as a motive 1890-1913
- Hawaii (1890s)
3
List examples of Preclusive Imperialism as a motive 1890-1913
- Samoa (1890s)
- Phillipines (1890s)
- Japan (1900s)
2
List examples of the Monroe Doctrine as a motive 1890-1913
- Venezuela (1890s)
- Spanish-American War (1890s)
2
List examples of the Roosevelt Corollary as a motive 1890-1913
- DR (1900s)
- Nicaragua (1900s)
4
List reasons for American WW1 neutrality
- Public opinion
- Wilsonianism (moral attitudes)
- Econ interests
- Cultural ties
4
Describe public opinion as a reason behind WW1 neutrality
- Prevailing mood that European war had nothing to do with them
- 1916 election campaign
- 1915 Gallup poll found 54% Americans favoured neutrality
- Sec of State Bryan organsied anti-war campaigns
6
Describe Wilsonianism as a reason behind WW1 neutrality
- Wilson sought neutrality
- Declaration of Neutrality 19th Aug 1914
- claimed he wanted to mediate
- warned citizens against taking sides
- Guided by Chirstian morals
- If US wanted to be peace-maker, it would have to remain neutral
4
Describe economic interests as a reason behind WW1 neutrality
- By 1917, US banks had loaned $2.3bn to Allies and $27m to Germany during war
- American exports as % of GNP doubled between 1914-1916
- Agri-boom
- borrower to creditor nation
4
Describe cultural ties as a reason behind US neutrality
- By 1910, imms made up 15% of pop
- 8m German Americans (largest ethnic group)
- Irish Americans, many of whom had strong ties to Great Britain, also played a sig role in shaping public opinion on the war
- Concern that entry into WW1 would lead to cultural conflict within USA
1
Why did Bryan resign?
Resigned in 1915 as beleived loans/exports comprimised neutrality
2
Described US entry into WW1
- Feared Allied loss
- April 1917 - WIlson asked Congress for authority to declare war on Germany
7
List reasons for US entry into WW1
- Pro-British feeling
- Anti-German feeling
- Trade
- Sinking of Lusitania
- Failure of US peace initiatives
- Resumption of USW
- Zimmerman Telegram
USW - unrestrcited submarine warfare
5
Describe how pro-British feeling contributed to American entry into WW1
- Wilson and allies preferred British
- WIlson’s preference for British customs and values (had long-standing ties)
- British propaganda ‘Bryce Report’ portrayed Germans as barbaric
- Many American businesses e.g. JP Morgan had close ties to Britain
- Pro-British politicians, such as TR, argued US had duty to protect its allies overseas
5
Describe how anti-German feeling contributed to American entry into WW1
- Samoa 1899
- Wilson agreed with Lansling (Sec of State ,1915-20) that Germany posed threat to American interests
- Sinking of Lusitania
- In message to Congress Dec 1915, Wilson attacked German-Americans for disloyalty
- Black Tom explosion 1916
2
Describe the Black Tom explosion 1916
- Sabotage by German agents
- Munitions factory explosion in NJ, killing 4
5
Describe how trade contributed to American entry into WW1
- effective British blockade of German ports
- By 1916, US Trade with Germany at 1% of 1914 figures
- Trade with allies reached $3.2bn by 1916 (10x that of cnetral powers)
- 40% of govt revenue made from tarriffs
- Allies borrowed $7bn from USA during war (had to pay $10.5bn)
4
Describe how the sinking of the Lusitania contributed to American entry into WW1
- May 1915, passenger shop Lusitiania sunk
- 128 US passengers died
- Wilson called for German apology, despite Bryan’s calls for comprimise
- Germany suspended USW after Arabic
2
Describe Wilson’s early support for peace
- As early as 1912, Wilson spoke of need to international organisation that guaranteed rights of all people for peaceful world
- May 1916, spoke of mutual distrust that led to war
3
Describe how the failure of US peace initiatives contributed to American entry into WW1
- Wilson had sent envoy Colonel House twice to Europe in 1915 and 1916 to negotiate truce to little avail
- Jan 1917 Congress, called for ‘peace without victory’
- peace would not be imposed on the victor’s terms
3
Describe blockades
- Under international law, Britain blockaded German ports and confiscated ‘contraband’ items
- Britian seized US ships and blacklisted firms who traded with Cental Powers
- Wilson took little action due to his private support for Allies
contraband - loosely defined as anything useful to the enemy
3
Describe the practice of USW
- Germans bombed any ship headed for Britain
- Used German U-boats
- Suspended in Aug 1915 after Arabic sunk and killed 2 Americans
4
Describe how the resumption of USW led to US entry into WW1
- 31 Jan 1917, Germany gave 8hr warning that it would sink all ships found within British waters
- Hoped Allies would surrendered out of depleted foodstuffs before US arrived if it declared war
- 3 Feb, Wilson severed German diplomatic relations
- Feb-March 1917, several US ships sunk
2
Describe German espionage
- Rumours of German espionage in America
- Exagurrated, but fueled further resentment
4
Describe how the Zimmerman telegram contribited to US entry into WW1
- 16 Jan 1917, telegram sent from Zimmerman (German FS) to von Eckhart (German Ambassador to Mexico)
- Proposed military alliance where mexico would wage war on USA and reclaim TX, AZ and NM
- Intercepted by US Ambassador in Britain
- Created pre-text for war
2
Describe doubts over the Zimmerman Telegram
- Mexico in no position to wage war due to ongoing CW
- Nontheless provoked anti-Mexican and anti-German feelings at time
2
Describe WW1 for America
- Cost $33bn
- Lost 116k men
Describe the ‘Inquiry’
Research project with 150 advisors to devise 14 point plan
5
Describe the terms of Wilson’s 14 points
- No secret treaties (e.g. Triple Entente/Triple Alliance)
- Open diplomacy
- Self determination (for colonies)
- Return of Alsace Lorraine to France
- 14th point: An international organisation to promote peace, international cooperation and collective security - The League of Nations
3
Describe Wilson’s 14 points
- Jan 1919, Congress
- 3 categories: maintaining orderly relations, self-determination and LoN
- Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1919
4
Describe the Paris peace conference 1919
- Jan 1919
- Wilson made decision to go to Paris himself - momentous as no sitting president had left US while in office up until that point
- ‘Big Three’ attitudes
- Wilson’s main goal was creation of LoN - therefore compromised on self-determination and reparations concerns
6
Describe the failure to join the League of Nations
- A document condemning the LoN and suggesting it should be delayed was signed by 37 US Senators
- ‘Collective secuity’ at odds with American neutrality
- Wilson’s tour of US
- Wilson’s refusal to comprimise
- March 1920, original peace treaty passed by 49 to 35 votes in senate, yet 7 short of ⅔ supermajority
- USA never joined LoN
4
Describe Wilson’s tour of the US
- Toured US in Sept 1919 to shore up support for LoN
- 40 speeches in 22 days
- Collapsed in Colorado - suffered stroke month later
- Incapacitated for rest of term
4
Describe Wilson’s refusal to compromise on the LoN
- reservationist senators willing to compromise
- Lodge (Rep, MA) introduced compromise bill to senate
- Wilson instructed Dems to oppose
- Bill failed by 53 votes to 38
2
Describe Wilsonianism
- Supported by Wilson and Bryan
- Progressive imperialism
2
Describe Wilson’s idealism
- Would only cooperate with ‘just’ nations
- Extension of Roosevelt Corollary
4
Describe examples of Wilsonianism/idealism in Latin America
- Gave Colombia $20m for role USA played in encouraging Panama rebellion in 1903
- fought against special concessions
- e.g. insisted Congress repeal 1912 act exempting US coastal shipping from paying tolls to Panama Canal
- Built highways, hospitals, schools, etc throughout LA
4
Describe limits to Wilsonianism/idealism
- order intervention in Haiti in 1915 after revolution, remained until 1934
- DR placed under US military govt in 1915 after several revolutions, troops remained until 1924
- maintained US presence in Nicaragua
- Continued policies of TR/Taft, which he had opposed
