Imperialism: America Becomes A World Power Flashcards
Define Imperialism
Imperialism is when a stronger country dominates or takes over a weaker country OR territory for some gain. This is usually in the form of economic, political or military domination.
What are the major economic motives (or reasons) for imperialism?
To get raw materials for industry and to create new markets to sell goods to.
What are the major social motives (or reasons) for imperialism?
Social Darwinism, White Man’s Burden, and to spread religion (missionary spirit).
What did Commodore Matthew Perry do in the 1850s to help America’s position in the world?
He opened Japan to trade. Japan had been closed to foreigners since the 1600s. Perry was sent there by President Millard Fillmore to deliver a message. After threatening the use of American force, Japan agreed to allow US ships to use Japanese Ports. This effectively opened Japan to the US and the world.
How did the US acquire Alaska?
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for around 7.2 million dollars in 1867. This was viewed as a mistake at the time, and was called “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox” after the Secretary of State William H. Seward. Today, it is viewed as a great deal!
What was the Open Door Policy?
In the late 1800s, European countries were taking over “Spheres of Influence” in China. The U.S. feared that these European countries would try to CLOSE the US out of China (e.g. slam the door in our face). The Open Door Policy was the American position, which called for China to remain OPEN for trade with all nations, particularly the US. Think: TRADE WITH CHINA (ASIA).
This was annexed in 1898 after American business interests, led by Sanford B. Dole, helped stage a bloodless revolt to overthrow the Queen (her name was Liliuokalani) in 1893. The U.S. then built a famous naval base there in 1899.
Hawaii was annexed in 1898. Pearl Harbor is the naval based referred to, which becomes very important on December 7, 1941…a date which will live in infamy.
This was was fought during 4 months in 1898. It was a major victory for the United States and helped establish the US as a power in the world.
Spanish-American War (1898).
This was a cause of the Spanish-American War. Newspapers were using sensational (almost like tabloid) headlines and exaggerated stories to stir up the passions and anger of the American people.
Yellow Journalism
This newspaper publisher famously said: “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” He was referring to the Spanish-American War, which was in part, caused by Yellow Journalism.
William Randolph Hearst
This American ship exploded in Havana Harbor off the coast of Cuba. The US press (newspapers) blamed Spain and this became a cause of the Spanish-American War.
The USS Maine.
“Remember the Maine, To Hell With Spain”
Later evidence would indicate that the ship most likely exploded due to an accident, NOT because of the Spanish.
What was the De Lome Letter?
A letter, written by a Spanish official,which criticized the American President William McKinley, calling him a weak, coward, spineless politician. This became another cause of the Spanish-American War.
The Spanish-American War was fought in TWO theaters (locations). What were they?
1) Pacific (Philippines and Guam)
2) Caribbean (Cuba and Puerto Rico)
Teddy Roosevelt famously led this group of soldiers, who became heroes of the American war effort in the Caribbean.
The Rough Riders
This treaty (in 1898) ended the Spanish-American War. In this treaty, the US gained territory in exchange for a payment to Spain of $20 million dolllars (for the Philippines).
The Treaty of Paris (1898)
