United States History and Imperialism

Front

Analyze the major factors that drove United States imperialism.

Back

Economic interests, military expansion, cultural motivations, and political competition.

Answer explanation

Major factors driving U.S. imperialism included economic interests, the desire for military expansion, cultural beliefs in American exceptionalism, and the influence of social Darwinism, which justified expansion as a means of progress.

Front

Explain the motives of the United States acquisition of the territories.

Back

The motives of the United States acquisition of territories included economic expansion, Manifest Destiny, strategic military advantages, and resource acquisition.

Answer explanation

The United States acquired territories to expand its influence, secure resources, and promote economic growth. This was driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the desire for strategic military and trade advantages.

Front

Examine causes, course, and consequences of the Spanish American War.

Back

The Spanish American War was caused by imperialism and the desire for Cuban independence, led to a quick U.S. victory, and resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S.

Answer explanation

The Spanish American War was caused by U.S. imperialism, the explosion of the USS Maine, and support for Cuban independence. It resulted in U.S. territorial gains, including Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power.

Front

Why was the United States keen on completing the Panama Canal? Consider economic, military, and security reasons, as well as the major hurdles faced.

Back

The U.S. aimed to complete the Panama Canal for economic benefits, military strategy, and security, facing challenges like negotiations, disease, and construction difficulties.

Answer explanation

The U.S. aimed to enhance trade efficiency, military mobility, and national security by controlling the canal. Major hurdles included negotiating with Colombia and engineering challenges, but the canal's completion in 1914 transformed global shipping.

Front

Examine causes, course, and consequences of United States involvement in World War I.

Back

The U.S. was driven to join WWI by German aggression, played a crucial role in the Allied victory, and faced significant post-war consequences.

Answer explanation

The U.S. entered WWI due to unrestricted submarine warfare, economic ties to Allies, and the Zimmermann Telegram. Its involvement shifted the war's momentum, leading to an Allied victory and shaping post-war geopolitics.

Front

How would you use the Selective Service Act, War Industries Board, war bonds, Espionage Act, Sedition Act, and the Committee of Public Information to rally the nation for war?

Back

Utilize the Selective Service Act for drafting, War Industries Board for production, war bonds for financing, Espionage and Sedition Acts for control, and Committee of Public Information for propaganda.

Answer explanation

To rally the nation, I'd implement the Selective Service Act for conscription, use the War Industries Board to boost production, promote war bonds for funding, and leverage the Espionage and Sedition Acts to suppress dissent while using the Committee of Public Information to shape public opinion.

Front

How did advancements in military technology lead to the emergence of trench warfare and the use of convoys?

Back

The advancements in military technology led to trench warfare and the use of convoys.

Answer explanation

Wartime innovations like airplanes and chemical weapons necessitated new strategies. Trench warfare emerged to protect soldiers from aerial attacks, while convoys were used to safeguard ships from enemy submarines, enhancing military effectiveness.

Front

Imagine you're a time-traveling journalist, Abigail, on a mission to uncover the diverse stories of Americans (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women, conscientious objectors) who served in Europe. What unique experiences and challenges did they face during their service?

Back

Diverse groups of Americans faced segregation, discrimination, language barriers, and gender inequality during their service in Europe.

Answer explanation

Abigail's exploration reveals that diverse Americans faced racial discrimination, cultural barriers, and unique challenges in military roles, highlighting their resilience and contributions during service in Europe.

Front

How did the war shake up the lives of German Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, women, and those who dared to dissent in the United States?

Back

The war reshaped the lives of diverse groups in the U.S. through discrimination, increased visibility, and social change.

Answer explanation

The war significantly impacted these groups, leading to increased discrimination for German Americans, heightened activism among African Americans, and greater roles for women, while dissenters faced repression, highlighting their diverse struggles.

Front

Examine the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles and the failure of the United States to support the League of Nations.

Back

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, and the U.S. failure to support the League of Nations undermined its purpose.

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, fostering resentment. The U.S. Senate's refusal to join the League of Nations weakened it, undermining collective security and contributing to future conflicts.