Section 1
How did Alaska prove to be valuable to the U.S.?
It was rich in natural resources
How did the Americans win a quick victory in the Spanish-American War?
Americans had more success in naval battles
Why did Roosevelt want to build a canal in Panama?
Provided a quicker and cheaper route from the Atlantic to the Pacific ports
a policy of staying out of world affairs
isolationism
What was “Seward’s Folly”?
Secretary of State, William Seward, bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. People thought it was a foolish purchase
Why did Theodore Roosevelt prepare for military action in the Philippines?
The Spanish-American War would be fought wherever Spain had power.
Why did President Wilson order troops to withdraw from Mexico?
They had been unable to capture Pancho Villa
The policy of powerful countries seeking to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries.
Imperialism
What inspired the Boxer Rebellion?
Foreign influence in China
How can the Cuban rebels be compared to the Patriots that fought in the American Revolution?
Both the Patriots and Cuban rebels fought against foreign rule.
How did Taft’s policy in Latin America differ from Roosevelt’s approach?
It emphasized building economic ties rather than using military force
Yellow journalism
reporting that relied on sensational stories and headlines, often stories that were biased and untrue.
Why did the U.S. acquire and annex islands in the Pacific?
So the islands could serve as trading ports and naval bases, and to increase U.S. influence in the Pacific region.
Why was the battleship Maine sent to Havana? What happened to it?
To protect U.S. citizens and property in Cuba. An explosion happened on board when it was docked, this event was used as yellow journalism, and was a cause of the Spanish American War.
"If we intend to say 'Hands off' to the powers of Europe, then sooner or later we must keep order ourselves." What future U.S. policy toward Latin America is suggested by this quote?
The United States would become more involved in Latin America and keep European countries out.
Platt Amendment
Made Cuba an American protectorate. Allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba and gave the United States control of the naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
What were the central reasons behind the growth of imperialism around the world?
Nations needed raw materials for their growing industries and new markets to sell the goods they produced. Both could be found in Africa and Asia.
Another reason was the belief that certain races were superior to others. Some Europeans felt it was their responsibility to spread their religious beliefs and culture.
Third reason was competition. A nation founded colonies to keep rival nations from taking it over.
What were the causes and effects of the Spanish- American War?
Causes: explosion of USS Maine, yellow journalism, Cuba wanted independence
Effects: Americans developed "war fever", U.S. acquired Guam and the Philippines, U.S. desired stepping-stones to Asia, Cuba became an American protectorate
What does the motto “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far” mean? How did Roosevelt’s actions in Panama reflect this saying?
Words should be supported by strong action. Colombia refused to rent land to the U.S. for the canal, Roosevelt made it known that they U.S. would not suppress a Panamanian rebellion. He then sent a U.S. warship to the region, which encouraged a successful Panamanian revolt against Colombia. American gained access to the land and built the canal.
Contrast dollar diplomacy and moral diplomacy
Dollar diplomacy was Taft's policy of trying to build strong economic ties with Latin America. He built roads, railroads, and harbors in Latin America which increased trade with the U.S.
Moral diplomacy was Wilson's policy of condemning imperialism, spreading democracy, and promoting peace.