Imperialism Unit Test Flashcards
Foreign Policy
a countries policies used in its relationship with other countries
Isolationism
policy of staying out of world affairs
followed by the U.S since Washington’s Farewell Address
Imperialism
the policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political or military control over weaker nations
similar to the European colonialism of the 1400-1800s
REASONS FOR IMPERIALISM
Economic: Competition for land and markets
Political: Military bases
Social: Spread of American values
Economic reason for imperialism
American needed trade partners to sell its products to; it was producing more than it needed and some worried our economy would collapse unless we expanded
as European countries took colonies, America felt it would become weaker and be left out of new trading markets, land, and access to raw materials
Political reason for imperialism
a strong navy and military bases and refueling stations around the world were needed to project US power and protect US access to trade markets
some worried America would be vulnerable and that expansion was a form of self-defense
Social reason for imperialism
Americans felt they were superior and it was their duty to spread Christian values and western civilization
Annexation of Alaska (year and American action taken)
1867
William Seward: Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson; believed strongly in expansionism
purchased the territory of Alaska for $7.2 million (2 cents an acre)
expanded US territory by almost one fifth
originally called Seward’s “Ice Box” or “Seward’s Folly,” Alaska turned out to be rich in timber, minerals, oil and gold
Annexation of Hawaii (year and American action taken)
1898
populated by American
missionaries and planters in the 1800s (all-year farming climate)
the American planters grew in power and influence
when Queen Liliuokalani tried to
limit their power, the planters
revolted in 1893 and overthrew the
queen
America saw the value of the islands, especially for a naval base and annexed it in 1898
Causes of the Spanish-American War
disapproval and outrage over Spain’s treatment of Cubans
yellow journalism: sensational and exaggerated reporting
(turned Americans against the Spanish)
sinking of the USS Maine (blamed on Spain)
desire to expand trade, gain bases and territory
Effects of the Spanish-American War on Cuba
Cuba became an independent country but was under American influence
Platt Amendment: forced Cuba to give the US the right intervene in Cuban affairs; gave the US a naval base at Guantanamo Bay
Effects of the Spanish-American War on Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico became an American territory with American officials in control
1917: the US grants alls Puerto Ricans citizenship and allows them to self-govern
Effects of the Spanish-American War on Philippines
became a US territory after the Spanish American War
America fought against a Filipino rebellion for 4 years
the Philippines were granted independence in 1946
Effects of the Spanish-American War on Guam
becomes a US territory
Expanding Interests- Japan
(Cause/American Action Taken/Effect)
Cause-
America desired to expand trade
American Action Taken-
President Fillmore sent Navy warships to force Japan to beginning trading with the US
Effect-
Japan was forced to open up ports to trade with the US
American/Western ideas were introduced into Japan
Expanding Interests- China
(Cause/American Action Taken/Effect)
Cause- European countries had spheres of influence or, areas where foreign nations claimed special rights and privileges, in China
America wanted to begin trading with China as well
American Action Taken-
America put forward the Open Door Policy that stated no single nation should have a monopoly on trade with China
Effect-
European nations accepted the Open Door Policy and accepted America as an equal trading partner
America had to help put down the Boxer Rebellion, an uprising by native Chinese against foreigners