Motives for imperialism in 1890-1914

Question 1

Accidental emprie

Answer 1

The decision to annex the Philippines was due to the deciding vote.
For economic reasons, the USA did not need an empire because it was carrying out a hug amount of trade with Britain

Question 2

Progressive imperialism

Answer 2

A desire to improve the lives of non-Americans.
The export of American values to less well-developed countries
The USA became an imperial power because it wanted to dominated the world by creating countries in its own image
Other countries would benefit from the pursuit of Americans to civilise the world

Question 3

Example of progressive imperialism

Answer 3

The removal of yellow fever in Cuba and the building of hospitals and schools.

Missionary work by colonists in the Philippines and Hawaii

Question 4

Progressive imperialism

• The missionary work

Answer 4

The belief that White Anglo-Saxon Protestants were a superior peoples who had a duty to help members of ‘lesser races’ improve their lives by following their example

Question 5

Need for market

Answer 5

The need for markets could be met by the ‘Open Door’ policy rather than actual territorial expansion.
The Depression of 1893 stimulating a desire to see new markets. The US faced surpluses in farm produce and needed markets to absorb these

Question 6

What was the Open Door policy

Answer 6

To guarantee the protection of equal privileges among countries trading with China

Question 7

The end of Westward expansion

Answer 7

Once this ended America could turn its attention to foreign adventures.

Question 8

Preclusive imperialism

Answer 8

Countries take colonies to prevent others from doing so
The USA wanted to copy the example of European powers such as Britain, France and Germany which had built up empires in Africa and Asia.