American Imperialism

A major reason for United States imperialism during the late 1890’s was that the

• Monroe Doctrine required such action

• expansion of American industry made acquiring new markets and additional resources desirable

• population pressures within the United States had become more severe

• cold-war rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union has heightened

The cartoon which reflects the period from 1898 to 1900, suggests that United States was primarily interested in

• increasing its empire

• improving living standards in poor areas of the world

• establishing democracies in other countries

• forming a world peace organization

Which concept is expressed in this cartoon?

• support for new military alliances

• support for United States imperialism

• opposition to the League of Nations

• opposition to new immigration laws

This cartoon deals mainly with the concept of

• imperialism

• government overspending

• isolationism

• free trade

Which title best describes the message of this cartoon?

• “Neutrality is the Best Policy”

• “Isolationism: Our Old Ally”

• “Temptations of the Imperialist Menu

• “The Dangers of Overeating”

Base your answer to the following question on the speakers’ statements below and on your knowledge of social studies.

Speaker A: The United States has enough problems of its own. We should keep out of the affairs of other countries. Speaker B: If we don’t help this country fight off the Communists, the entire region will be overrun by communism.

Speaker C: American businesses are producing more than they can sell. We need to acquire overseas markets Speaker D: We must not join this international organization. If we do, Congress will lose its power to declare war.

Which speaker is most likely an American imperialist of the early 20th century?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Base your answer to the following question on the statements concerning United States foreign policy and on your knowledge of social studies.

Speaker A: There was nothing left for us to do but to take the Philippines, to educate the Filipinos, and to uplift, civilize, and Christianize them. Speaker B: If we wish to compete with other nations for foreign possessions, we must have navies and armies like theirs. Happily, the United States has no need to drain its resources in this way. Speaker C: We must insure that a canal across Central America is built. The United States needs an efficient shipping route between the east and west coasts. Speaker D: The principles of the Declaration of Independence should guide United States policy towards other nations.

Which foreign policy action is supported by the statement of speaker A?

• assuming the “White Man’s Burden”

• guaranteeing free trade

• implementing collective security

• instituting economic sanctions

Which title best completes the partial outline below?

I.

A. No government without consent of the governed

B. High cost of defending territories outside the United States

• America’s New Immigration Policy

• Reasons for Overseas Expansion

• Causes of the Spanish-American War

• Arguments Opposing Imperialism

The famous American writer Mark Twain expressed his opinion about U.S. actions in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War with the following words:

“I have seen that we do not intend to free, but to subjugate (place under control) the people of the Philippines. We have gone to conquer, not to redeem (save). ...I am opposed to having the [American] eagle put its talons on any other land.” The New York Herald, October 15, 1900

This statement would be helpful in supporting the thesis that Mark Twain believed that

• U.S. imperialism was wrong.

• U.S. imperialism would bring stable government to the Philippines.

• U.S. imperialism was necessary for the United States to become a world power.

• U.S. imperialism civilized the people of the Philippines.

What event was referred to as “Seward’s Folly?”

• Annexation of the Midway Islands in 1867.

• Negotiating trade relations with Japan in 1853.

• Purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

• investment in banana republics