Spanish American War and American Imperialism pt 2

Which of the following were reasons for the Spanish-American War? (Choose 3 that apply)

• The German Kaiser's use of unrestricted submarine warfare

• Humanitarian support for rights of Cubans

• The publication of the Zimmermann Note

• Increased desire for new markets for American goods

• Public outcry after the sinking of the USS Maine

Answer explanation

The Spanish-American War was driven by humanitarian support for Cubans, the desire for new markets, and public outrage over the USS Maine sinking, not by German actions or the Zimmermann Note.

Which of the following was a significant result of the Spanish-American War?

• The United States formed a naval alliance with Germany.

• The United States gained control of Texas.

• The United States repealed the Monroe Doctrine.

• The United States established itself as a major world power.

Answer explanation

The Spanish-American War marked a turning point for the U.S., as it emerged as a major world power by acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, thus expanding its influence globally.

During the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, what was the strongest motivation for United States intervention in Latin America?

• Protecting its growing foreign investments

• Encouraging trade with Europe

• Putting an end to growing independence movements

• Reducing the influence of Communism

Answer explanation

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. aimed to protect its growing foreign investments in Latin America, which was a key motivation for intervention, rather than solely focusing on trade, independence movements, or communism.

Which of the following statements BEST represents Social Darwinism as it applies to American imperialism?

• To avoid social unrest, religious and scientific worlds should be kept separate.

• Based on the laws of nature, powerful nations were justified in dominating weaker nations.

• Human beings had reached a point where competition among nations was no longer necessary.

• The world's economic and social problems could best be corrected with the spread of Socialism.

Answer explanation

The correct choice reflects Social Darwinism's belief that stronger nations have the right to dominate weaker ones, justifying imperialism as a natural order in international relations.

I. ________________

     a. Desire for new markets overseas

     b. Creation of a new modern navy

     c. Belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority

 Which of the following titles would best go on the line above to complete the partial outline?

• Consequences of World War I

• Results of the Gentlemen’s Agreement

• Events Leading to Neutrality

• Factors Supporting United States Imperialism

Answer explanation

The correct title is 'Factors Supporting United States Imperialism' as the options listed (desire for markets, navy creation, and belief in superiority) are all motivations for U.S. imperialism.

Which of the following statements is TRUE about America's entrance into war in 1898?

• America was finally drawn into the Spanish-American War after years of protest against unrestricted submarine warfare.

• America's entry into World War I was largely motivated by a desire to form an economic alliance with Russia.

• America was led into the Spanish-American War by motivations of imperialism, expansion, and economic gain.

• A broadened view of "Manifest Destiny" led the United States to join World War I in hopes of gaining land in Europe.

Answer explanation

America's entry into the Spanish-American War in 1898 was driven by imperialism, expansionist desires, and economic interests, particularly in Cuba and the Philippines, making this statement true.

Which message is BEST represented in the political cartoon above?

• The United States needed to complete Manifest Destiny.

• The United States needed to continue a policy of isolationism.

• The United States needed to acquire new foreign territories.

• The United States needed to concentrate on domestic social issues.

Answer explanation

The cartoon likely depicts the expansionist sentiment of the time, suggesting that the United States aimed to acquire new foreign territories, aligning with the idea of Manifest Destiny.

Which statement describes the role played by the United States journalists during the Spanish-American War?

• Journalists ignored the signs of impending war until it was too late to inform the public of intentions to declare war on Spain.

• Journalists exaggerated events to build support for the war, giving the president and Congress little chance to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

• Journalists focused on bad news rather than good news in order to criticize the decisions made by the president and military leaders.

• Journalists provided frequent reports of the fighting, allowing the public to follow a foreign war closely for the first time.

Answer explanation

Journalists played a crucial role by exaggerating events, which stirred public sentiment and pressured the government for war, limiting diplomatic solutions. This choice accurately reflects their influence during the Spanish-American War.

Based on the information in the partial outline above, which is the most appropriate entry for line D?

• United States experienced agricultural revolution.

• United States engaged in civil war.

• United States became more involved in imperialism.

• United States built the Transcontinental Railroad.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'United States became more involved in imperialism,' aligns with the historical context of the U.S. expanding its influence globally during the late 19th century, making it the most appropriate entry for line D.

The widespread acceptance of the theory of Social Darwinism had what impact on the United States' foreign policy?

• It justified involvement in the affairs of other nations deemed to be weaker or less industrialized.

• It encouraged the establishment of dictatorships to bring stability to nations experiencing political turmoil.

• It supported the idea that the United States could best help other nations by staying out of their affairs.

• It caused the United States to condemn imperialism and encourage European nations to do so as well.

Answer explanation

The theory of Social Darwinism suggested that stronger nations had a right to dominate weaker ones, justifying U.S. intervention in the affairs of less industrialized countries to promote progress and stability.