Increased Imperialism

Question 1

What were the motives for imperialism?

Give 5, with examples

Answer 1

ACCIDENTAL EMPIRE - as stated by Harold Evans in the ‘American Century’
PROGRESSIVE IMPERIALISM - a ‘world policeman’ stance - to benefit others - as stated by Walter McDougall
NEED FOR MARKETS - ‘open door’ policy to stimulate the economy - William A. Williams
PRECLUSIVE IMPERIALISM - the policy of denying others - by William Langer
END OF THE FRONTIER - as stated by Jack Turner

Question 2

Give examples for each of the 5 motives for imperialism

Answer 2

ACCIDENTAL EMPIRE - Cuba
PROGRESSIVE IMPERIALISM - Philippines, Dominican Republic
NEED FOR MARKETS - Cuba, China, Hawaii, Nicaragua, Panama Canal
END OF THE FRONTIER - ?
PRECLUSIVE IMPERIALISM - Spanish American Civil war, Samoa

Question 3

CUBA 
What were the motives?
- What was the Teller Amendment? When?
- How did the war change opinions?
- What did the 1903 treaty state?

Answer 3

CUBA - mostly markets, partially progressive and a little bit of accidental empire

• TELLER AMENDMENT April 1898 - US wouldn’t annexe the island - would be independent
• The war changed opinions - people do don’t think Cuba was ready to rule itself
• A treaty signed in 1903 imposing a new political system in Cuba making its economy dependent on America

Question 4

SPANISH AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

• How were Cuba involved?
• What happened that was perceived as an attack?
• How did America react?

Answer 4

SPANISH CIVIL WAR

• Cuba was controlled by Spain, but revolutionaries demanded independence - created tension between US and Spain
• American battleship exploded on a friendly trip to Cuba, which was perceived as sabotage, but actually just a faulty boat
• In response, US launched an attack, and then blockaded Cuba

Question 5

CHINA
What were America’s motives?
- What policy was introduced in 1899, and by who?
- What did it aim to do?

Answer 5

CHINA
Reflected a need for markets
- US Secretary of State introduced an ‘open door policy’ in 1899
- To assert equal and impartial trade

Question 6

SAMOA
What was the main motive?
- When did US interest first begin?
- What other nations were interested?
- What happened after the Samoan civil war? What did each nation do with their part?

Answer 6

SAMOA
Main motive was PRECLUSIVE imperialism
- US interest first began in 1872 when offered a naval base
- Germany and Britain were also interested
- 1898 Samoan civil war - monarchy was abolished and tripartite convention established
England gave all rights to Samoa
US established protectorate
Germany colonised their part

Question 7

HAWAII
What was the main motive?
- Why was Hawaii depended on American economy?
- What tariffs was imposed to change this in 1890?
- What happened in 1891?
- What happened in 1898?

Answer 7

HAWAII
Main motivation was a need for markets
- US imported Hawaiian sugar duty free so Hawaii depended on America’s economy
- 1890 MCKINLEY TARIFF - removed duties on sugar so Hawaiians lost advantage
- 1891 - new queen led a rebellion - US army called in to help
- 1898 - Hawaii annexed

Question 8

THE PHILIPPINES
Main motives?
For what three reasons did America want the Philippines?
How did America claim the Philippines?

Answer 8

THE PHILIPPINES
Main motives were progressive imperialism and preclusive imperialism
- Wanted to convert them to Christianity
- Threat from Germany, Britain and Japan (Preclusive imperialism)
- Incapable of ruling themselves

Had to fight a 4 year war of subjugation costing $600million - military occupation by 1904

Question 9

NICARAGUA
Main motives?
- What was it important?
- What was the name of the anti-American president and what did he do?
- How did America react? 
- Outcome?

Answer 9

NICARAGUA
Main motive was for markets
- Important due proximity
- Jose Santos Zelaya cancelled US economic privileges
- Taft forcibly installed pro-American Adolfo Diaz
- After 3 years, people revolted against Diaz, so so troops were sent to occupy Nicaragua