Period 7 1898-1945 2/26-5/2025 Flashcards
What has been the focus of U.S. foreign policy since 1790?
Expanding west, protecting U.S. interests abroad, and limiting foreign influences in the Americas
This policy was characterized by a desire to assert U.S. sovereignty and influence in the Western Hemisphere.
What significant economic change occurred post-Civil War in the U.S.?
Development of a booming industrial economy
This economic growth laid the groundwork for a shift in U.S. foreign relations.
How did U.S. foreign relations change after the Civil War?
The U.S. transitioned from relative isolation to becoming a world power
This shift marked a significant change in the U.S. role in global politics.
What territories did the U.S. acquire as it became a world power?
Territories extending across the Pacific to the Philippines
This expansion reflected the growing influence of the U.S. in international affairs.
Who was William Seward?
A leading Republican of the 1850s & 1860s who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln & Johnson
Seward was a significant figure in American politics during the Civil War era.
What position did William Seward hold?
Secretary of State
He served under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
How did Seward’s achievements as Secretary of State compare to his predecessors?
He achieved more than anyone since John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine in 1823
This highlights Seward’s influence and effectiveness in foreign policy.
What role did Seward play during the Civil War?
He helped prevent Great Britain & France from entering the war on the side of the South
He was important in the Trent affair
His diplomatic efforts were crucial in maintaining foreign neutrality.
Was William Seward successful in his expansionist efforts?
No, he was unsuccessful in convincing Congress to annex Hawaii and purchase the Danish West Indies
However, he did achieve other significant territorial gains.
What territories did Seward successfully annex or gain rights to?
Annexation of Midway Island and rights to build a canal in Nicaragua
These achievements reflect his strong expansionist vision.
Which two European powers disputed control over Alaska?
Russia & Great Britain
What was the initial purpose of the small colony established by Russia in Alaska?
Seal hunting
Why did Russia seek to sell Alaska?
It became an economic burden subject to British takeover
Who was an enthusiastic champion of the U.S. acquiring Alaska?
Seward
In what year did Congress purchase Alaska?
1867
How much did the U.S. pay for Alaska?
$7.2 million
What were two nicknames given to Alaska by Americans before its value was recognized?
- Seward’s Folly
- Seward’s Icebox
What was a reason for the U.S. purchasing Alaska, according to Seward’s lobbying?
Appreciation of Russian support during the Civil War
Fill in the blank: The purchase of Alaska was made for _______.
$7.2 million
True or False: The purchase of Alaska was immediately seen as valuable by Americans.
False
What concept did Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest apply to beyond the natural world?
Competition among nations
This application extended Darwin’s ideas to socio-political contexts.
What did the theory of International Darwinism imply about the survival of nations?
Only the strongest survived
This indicated that nations needed to be strong in various aspects.
What areas did the U.S. need to be strong in according to International Darwinism?
Religiously, militarily, and politically
Strength in these areas was deemed necessary for national survival.
What was one way the U.S. demonstrated its strength in the context of International Darwinism?
Acquiring territories overseas
This expansion was seen as a demonstration of power and influence.
What idea was extended by expansionists of the late 19th century related to territorial expansion?
Manifest destiny
This concept originally applied to North America but was expanded to a global context.
How was the concept of manifest destiny used in relation to imperialism?
As justification for imperialism
This justification helped rationalize the U.S. territorial ambitions abroad.
What does imperialism mean?
Acquiring territory or gaining control over political or economic life of other countries
Imperialism involves domination by one country over another in various forms.
Which countries pursued imperialism?
Britain, France, Germany, Russia, & Japan
These nations gained possessions and influence in weaker countries.
In which regions did imperialism particularly take place?
Africa & the Pacific Ocean
These areas were significantly affected by the imperialistic ambitions of stronger nations.
Why did some in the U.S. support imperialism?
To compete with imperialistic nations for new territory
There was a belief that without expansion, the U.S. would grow weak and fail to survive.
Who were the advocates of American expansion?
Missionaries, politicians, naval strategists, and journalists
These groups promoted the idea of expanding U.S. influence and territory.
What was the general opinion of the average U.S. citizen on imperialism?
Opposed to imperialism
Many citizens believed funds should be used to address domestic issues like homelessness and unemployment.
Fill in the blank: The average U.S. citizen opposed imperialism as they didn’t see the point of spending money on new territories if there were many issues in the U.S. like _______.
homelessness and unemployment
This sentiment highlights the prioritization of domestic welfare over foreign expansion.
What did Rev. Josiah Strong argue in his book ‘Our Country: Its Possible Future & Present Crisis’?
People of Anglo-Saxon stock were the fittest to survive and Protestant Americans had a Christian duty to colonize other lands.
This book was published in 1885 and reflects the ideology of American exceptionalism and imperialism.
What was the purpose of missionaries to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands?
To encourage support for active U.S. government involvement in foreign affairs.
Missionaries aimed to spread Christianity and Western civilization as part of their efforts.
Which political party was closely allied with business leaders seeking new markets through foreign affairs?
The Republican Party.
This alliance influenced U.S. foreign policy during the period.
Who were the Congressional leaders that supported U.S. power through global expansion?
Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt.
Lodge was a senator from Massachusetts and Roosevelt was the Governor of New York.
Fill in the blank: Rev. Josiah Strong believed that _______ Americans had a Christian duty to colonize other lands.
Protestant
True or False: Missionaries were opposed to U.S. government involvement in foreign affairs.
False
Missionaries actively encouraged involvement to spread their beliefs.
What ideology did Rev. Josiah Strong promote regarding Anglo-Saxon stock?
That they were the fittest to survive.
This reflects a belief in racial superiority.
What did many Americans support as a result of missionary work abroad?
Active U.S. government involvement in foreign affairs.
Fill in the blank: Congressional leaders like Henry Cabot Lodge and Theodore Roosevelt wanted to build U.S. power through _______.
global expansion
Who wrote ‘The Influence of Sea Power Upon History’?
U.S. Navy Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan
What did Alfred Thayer Mahan argue was crucial for a country’s ambitions?
A strong navy
In what year was ‘The Influence of Sea Power Upon History’ published?
1890
By 1900, what was the rank of the U.S. Navy in the world?
3rd largest navy
How did the popular press contribute to U.S. foreign policy?
Increased sales by stories about foreign places
The increase in stories about foreign places led to demands for what?
A larger U.S. role in world affairs
What doctrine marked the beginning of U.S. interest in Latin America in the 1820s?
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine asserted that the Western Hemisphere was under the influence of the United States and warned European powers against further colonization or interference.
Who played a principal role in extending U.S. influence in Latin America during Benjamin Harrison’s presidency?
James Blaine
James Blaine was Secretary of State and advocated for closer ties with Latin American nations.
What significant event did James Blaine help organize to foster relations with Latin America?
First Pan-American Conference
This conference was held in Washington and aimed at establishing cooperation among nations in the Western Hemisphere.
What was the main outcome of the First Pan-American Conference?
Creation of a permanent organization for international cooperation
This organization focused on trade and other issues among the nations of the Western Hemisphere.
What organization did the Pan-American Union become a part of in 1948?
Organization of American States
The Organization of American States continues the mission of promoting regional solidarity and cooperation.
What boundary dispute involved the Monroe Doctrine in the 19th century?
A boundary dispute between Venezuela and the British colony of Guiana
This dispute was significant in demonstrating the application of the Monroe Doctrine.
Who were the key figures involved in the boundary dispute concerning Venezuela?
President Grover Cleveland and Secretary of State Richard Olney
They argued that the Monroe Doctrine applied to the situation.
What did Cleveland and Olney request from Britain regarding the Venezuela boundary dispute?
They asked for Britain to arbitrate the dispute
They indicated that the U.S. would back its argument with military force if necessary.
How did Britain ultimately respond to U.S. demands in the Venezuela boundary dispute?
Britain agreed to U.S. demands
This decision was influenced by the perception of U.S. friendship being more important than winning the boundary dispute.
What was the reaction of Latin American nations to U.S. efforts during the boundary dispute?
They appreciated U.S. efforts to protect them from European domination
This fostered a positive view of the U.S. in Latin America.
What significant change occurred in U.S.-British relations after the Venezuela boundary dispute?
The dispute marked a turning point in U.S.-British relations
From 1895 on, Britain cultivated U.S. friendship rather than hostility.
What was the long-term impact of U.S.-British friendship after the Venezuela boundary dispute?
The friendship proved vital for both nations throughout the coming century
This relationship influenced international dynamics in the 20th century.
True or False: The Venezuela boundary dispute demonstrated the effectiveness of the Monroe Doctrine.
True
The event highlighted the power of the Monroe Doctrine in international relations.
What was a main target of American imperialism?
The nearby Caribbean area
Since when had expansionists from the South coveted Cuba?
Since the 1850s
What three factors provided justifications for U.S. intervention in Cuba in the 1890s?
- American investments in Cuban sugar
- Spanish misrule of Cuba
- The Monroe Doctrine
What did the U.S. want in relation to Cuba?
A strategic place for a naval base
True or False: The U.S. intended to fully take over Cuba.
False
What was a growing wave of jingoism in the 1890s?
A form of nationalism calling for an aggressive foreign policy
Jingoism emphasized the need for military action to assert national power.
What did expansionists demand in the 1890s?
That the U.S. take its place with the imperialist nations of Europe as a world power
This demand reflected a desire for increased international influence.
Which U.S. Presidents believed military action abroad was morally wrong and economically unwise?
Cleveland & McKinley
Their views were significant given the context of rising nationalistic sentiments.
What led to overwhelming popular demand for war against Spain?
Specific events combined with background pressures
These events included incidents that stirred public emotions and influenced opinion.
What was the primary goal of the Cuban nationalists during the Cuban Revolt?
To overthrow Spanish colonial rule
The Cuban nationalists had been fighting for ten years to achieve this goal.
In what year did the Cuban nationalists adopt the strategy of sabotaging Cuban plantations?
1895
This strategy aimed to force Spain’s withdrawal or involve the U.S. in their revolution.
Who was sent by Spain to suppress the Cuban revolt?
General ‘The Butcher’ Weyler
He was accompanied by over 100,000 troops.
What role did the Yellow Press play in the U.S. during the Cuban Revolt?
Promoted war fever
Sensationalistic newspapers reported bold headlines of crime, disaster, and scandal.
What is ‘Yellow Journalism’?
Sensationalistic newspaper reporting
It involved exaggerated and false accounts of Spanish cruelty in Cuba.
Which two New York newspapers were known for their Yellow Journalism during the Cuban Revolt?
- New York World
- New York Journal
These newspapers were owned by Joseph Pulitzer and William Hearst, respectively.
What did many Americans do in response to the reports from Yellow Journalism?
Urged Congress and the president to intervene in Cuba
They believed the exaggerated accounts of suffering.
True or False: The Cuban nationalists were fighting for independence from U.S. control.
False
They were fighting against Spanish colonial rule, not U.S. control.
Fill in the blank: The strategy adopted by Cuban nationalists in 1895 involved _______.
sabotaging Cuban plantations
What was the De Lome Letter?
A letter written by Spanish minister Dupuy de Lome that criticized President McKinley
The letter was leaked to the press and printed in Heart’s NY Journal, causing public outrage.
What was the public reaction to the De Lome Letter?
Many Americans considered it an official Spanish insult against U.S. national honor
The letter contributed to rising tensions between the U.S. and Spain.
What event occurred shortly after the De Lome Letter made headlines?
The explosion of the U.S. battleship Maine in Havana harbor
This incident caused further outrage and was pivotal in escalating tensions leading to the Spanish-American War.
When did the U.S. battleship Maine explode?
On February 15, 1898
The explosion resulted in the death of 260 Americans.
What accusation did the yellow press make regarding the Maine explosion?
They accused Spain of blowing up the ship
This accusation was made despite later investigations suggesting the explosion was likely an accident.
What was later revealed about the explosion of the Maine?
It was an accidental explosion due to something in the ship
Experts concluded that the initial claims blaming Spain were unfounded.
What event prompted President McKinley to issue an ultimatum to Spain?
The sinking of the Maine
What demand did President McKinley make to Spain regarding Cuba?
Agree to a ceasefire in Cuba
How did Spain respond to McKinley’s ultimatum?
Spain agreed to the demand
What influenced President McKinley to send a war message to Congress in April?
Public pressure from U.S. newspapers and a majority in Congress
What was one of the reasons McKinley gave for U.S. intervention in Cuba?
Put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries in Cuba
What was the second reason McKinley provided for intervention in Cuba?
Protect the lives and property of U.S. citizens living in Cuba
What was the third reason for U.S. intervention according to McKinley’s war message?
End the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people
What was the fourth reason McKinley cited for U.S. intervention in Cuba?
End the constant menace to our peace arising from the disorders in Cuba
What is the Teller Amendment?
An amendment in Cuba’s constitution declaring U.S. intentions regarding Cuba’s political control
The Teller Amendment stated that the U.S. would not take political control of Cuba.
When did Congress pass the joint resolution authorizing war related to the Teller Amendment?
April 20
This resolution was a response to the president’s message.
What did the Teller Amendment declare about U.S. intentions in Cuba?
The U.S. had no intention of taking political control of Cuba
It emphasized that after peace was restored, the Cuban people would control their own government.
Fill in the blank: The Teller Amendment was part of a joint resolution passed by Congress on _______.
April 20
True or False: The Teller Amendment was part of the U.S. Constitution.
False
The Teller Amendment was included in Cuba’s constitution.
What amendment was included in an army appropriations bill after the Teller Amendment?
The Platt Amendment of 1901
This amendment was significant in shaping U.S.-Cuban relations.
What did the Platt Amendment require Cuba to never do?
Never to sign a treaty with a foreign power that impaired its independence & for Cuba to never build up a big public debt
This restriction was aimed at preventing foreign influence over Cuba.
What right did the Platt Amendment grant to the U.S. regarding Cuba?
To permit the U.S. to intervene in Cuba’s affairs to preserve its independence & maintain law & order
This interventionist policy was justified by the U.S. as necessary for stability.
What naval base did the Platt Amendment allow the U.S. to maintain in Cuba?
Guantanamo Bay
Guantanamo Bay remains a significant U.S. military presence in the region.
How did Cuba respond to the terms of the Platt Amendment?
A Cuban convention reluctantly accepted these terms, adding them to its country’s new constitution
This acceptance was met with significant resentment from Cuban nationalists.
What did the Platt Amendment make Cuba in relation to the U.S.?
A U.S. protectorate
This status meant that Cuba’s foreign policy was subject to U.S. oversight and control for many years.
Where were the first shots of the Spanish-American War fired?
Manila Bay in the Philippines
When were the last shots of the Spanish-American War fired?
In August
Who referred to the Spanish-American War as ‘a splendid little war’?
Secretary of State John Hay
What was notable about the duration of the Spanish-American War?
It was over swiftly
Fill in the blank: The first shots of the Spanish-American War were fired in _______.
Manila Bay in the Philippines
Fill in the blank: Secretary of State John Hay called the war ‘a splendid little _______’.
war
Who was Theodore Roosevelt in relation to McKinley?
McKinley’s assistant secretary of the navy
What was Theodore Roosevelt’s stance on expansionism?
He was an expansionist who wanted to show off the U.S. new, all-steel navy
What strategic value did Roosevelt recognize in relation to Spain’s territories?
The strategic value of Spain’s territories in the Pacific
Who commanded the fleet ordered by Roosevelt to the Philippines?
Commodore George Dewey
Since when had the Philippines been under Spanish control?
Since the 1500s
What significant event occurred on May 1 related to the Spanish-American War?
Commodore Dewey’s fleet opened fire on Spanish ships in Manila Bay
What happened to the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay?
It was pounded into submission by U.S. naval guns
What was the timeline of the land fight compared to the naval fight?
The fight on land took longer than the naval fight
When did U.S. troops, allied with Filipino rebels, capture Manila?
On August 13
What was the public sentiment in the U.S. regarding the purchase of the Philippines?
U.S. citizens were upset due to unemployment and other issues
Who was Theodore Roosevelt in relation to McKinley?
McKinley’s assistant secretary of the navy
What was Theodore Roosevelt’s stance on expansionism?
He was an expansionist who wanted to show off the U.S. new, all-steel navy
What strategic value did Roosevelt recognize in relation to Spain’s territories?
The strategic value of Spain’s territories in the Pacific
Who commanded the fleet ordered by Roosevelt to the Philippines?
Commodore George Dewey
Since when had the Philippines been under Spanish control?
Since the 1500s
What significant event occurred on May 1 related to the Spanish-American War?
Commodore Dewey’s fleet opened fire on Spanish ships in Manila Bay
What happened to the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay?
It was pounded into submission by U.S. naval guns
What was the timeline of the land fight compared to the naval fight?
The fight on land took longer than the naval fight
When did U.S. troops, allied with Filipino rebels, capture Manila?
On August 13
What was the public sentiment in the U.S. regarding the purchase of the Philippines?
U.S. citizens were upset due to unemployment and other issues
What was the most lethal enemy faced by American soldiers in Cuba during the invasion?
Tropical diseases
More than 5,000 American soldiers died of malaria, typhoid, and dysentery.
How many American soldiers died in battle compared to those who died from diseases in Cuba?
Less than 500 died in battle
More than 5,000 died from diseases.
What was the outcome of the attacks by American and Cuban forces against the Spanish army?
Succeeded in defeating the much larger but poorly led Spanish army.
What was the most celebrated event of the war next to Dewey’s victory in Manila Bay?
Cavalry charge up San Juan Hill by the Rough Riders.
Who led the Rough Riders during the cavalry charge at San Juan Hill?
Theodore Roosevelt.
What significant action did the U.S. Navy take on July 3 during the invasion of Cuba?
Destroyed the Spanish fleet at Santiago Bay.
What realization did Spain come to after the destruction of its fleet by the U.S. Navy?
That it could not continue fighting.
In what month and year did Spain ask for U.S. terms of peace?
Early August.
Fill in the blank: More than 5,000 American soldiers died of tropical diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and _______.
Dysentery.
True or False: The Rough Riders were a regiment of volunteers on foot.
False.
When was the treaty of peace signed?
Dec. 10, 1898
What did the treaty of peace provide for regarding Cuba?
Recognition of Cuban independence
Which two Spanish islands did the U.S. acquire as part of the treaty?
Puerto Rico and Guam
How much did the U.S. pay Spain for the Philippines?
$20 million
What was the primary purpose of the U.S. war effort?
To liberate Cuba
True or False: Americans were prepared for the idea of taking over the Philippines.
False
Fill in the blank: The treaty provided for U.S. acquisition of the Philippines in return for payment to Spain of _______.
$20 million
When was the treaty of peace signed?
Dec. 10, 1898
What did the treaty of peace provide for regarding Cuba?
Recognition of Cuban independence
Which two Spanish islands did the U.S. acquire as part of the treaty?
Puerto Rico and Guam
How much did the U.S. pay Spain for the Philippines?
$20 million
What was the primary purpose of the U.S. war effort?
To liberate Cuba
True or False: Americans were prepared for the idea of taking over the Philippines.
False
Fill in the blank: The treaty provided for U.S. acquisition of the Philippines in return for payment to Spain of _______.
$20 million
