History quiz on imperialism Flashcards
Why did the United States pursue national expansion and imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th century?
a desire for new markets for its industrial products and a belief in the racial and cultural superiority of Americans motivated the United States’ imperial mission,
the US was motivated by domestic troubles, commercial interests, and competition with European imperial powers such as Spain.
Through the definition of imperialism, the US wanted power and dominion and especially territorial acquisition of gaining political and economic control of other lands
What were the main causes of the US invasion of Cuba, beginning the
Spanish-American War?
The reasons for war were many, but there were two immediate ones: America’s support of the ongoing struggle by Cubans and Filipinos against Spanish rule and the mysterious explosion of the battleship U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor.
What was the explosion at Havana harbor?
On February 15, 1898, an explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The sinking of the Maine incited the United States’ passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war.
What were the main American concerns about European influence in China, leading to the Open Door Note?
US business interests: need overseas markets for trade, so want to limit European influence and/or increase American influence and trade-in
China
Sympathies to China: Americans dislike European imperialism; Protestants are sympathetic
because of strong missionary ties in China
Upsetting the world balance of power: imperial scrambles for territory in China would shift
power dynamics
Geography: US’s recent acquisition of Hawaii and the Philippines geographically placed the US
closer to Asia
What is imperialism?
State policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political
and economic control of other areas
Was the decision to intervene in WWI justified?
Germany’s resumption of submarine attacks on passenger and merchant ships in 1917 became the primary motivation behind Wilson’s decision to lead the United States into World War I.
They attacked a bunch of US citizens, and it’s justified because innocent people were harmed, and countries such as Mexico and Germany communicated through Morse code to try to take over the us
If not fighting now fight when?
What is yellow journalism?
Yellow journalism and yellow press are American terms for journalism and associated newspapers that present little or no legitimate, well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines to increase sales. Techniques may include exaggerating news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.
What was the open door policy?
The Open Door policy was a statement of principles initiated by the United States in 1899 and 1900. It called for the protection of equal privileges for all countries trading with China and for the support of Chinese territorial and administrative integrity.
What was the Sphere of influences
A sphere of influence is a term used in foreign relations to describe a territory or region where an external group or institution holds power or authority in a foreign territory.
What was the USS Maine?
USS Maine, a second-class battleship built between 1888 and 1895, was sent to Havana in January 1898 to protect American interests during the long-standing revolt of the Cubans against the Spanish government. In the evening of 15 February 1898, Maine sank when her forward gunpowder magazines exploded.
What major European powers were in China?
Russia, Germany, japan, America, Britain, France
why did the Germans attack US ships?
The Germans believed that American merchant ships, by delivering supplies, were contributing in a real way to the success of their enemy, Great Britain.
What was the Spanish-American war?
The Spanish-American War of 1898 ended Spain’s colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere and secured the position of the United States as a Pacific power.
U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba and to secede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States.
The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict. Thus, the war enabled the United States to establish its predominance in the Caribbean region and to pursue its strategic and economic interests in Asia.
Who was Emilio Aguinaldo?
He was elected the first president of the new republic under the Malolos Congress and led the Philippine-American war against the US resistance to the Philippines’ independence.
Short term affects of the SA war
U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict.
