12-1 HW Questions: US Imperialism

What was the main goal of Commodore Matthew Perry's visit to Japan in 1853?

• To establish a military alliance with Japan

• To learn about Japanese culture and customs

• To pressure Japan to open its ports for trade with the United States

• To explore the Pacific Ocean for new territories

Why did the United States purchase Alaska from Russia in 1867?

• To gain access to its vast gold reserves

• To use it as a stepping stone to increase trade in Asia and the Pacific

• To establish a military base to counter Russian expansion

• To provide a new home for settlers from the overcrowded East Coast

What is the best definition of imperialism?

• A policy of staying out of world affairs and avoiding alliances

• A policy of extending a nation's boundaries within its own continent

• A policy of powerful countries seeking to control the economic and political affairs of weaker countries or regions

• A policy of encouraging free trade and open markets among all nations

Which of the following was a major economic factor that contributed to American expansionism in the late 1800s?

• A desire for new markets to sell American goods

• A shortage of raw materials for American factories

• A need to reduce the growing population in American cities

• A belief that America should avoid competing with European powers

Why did the United States support the Open Door Policy in China?

• To gain exclusive trading rights in China

• To spread American culture and values in China

• To ensure that all nations had equal access to trade in China

• To establish military bases in China to protect American interests

What event led to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898?

• A peaceful transfer of power from the Hawaiian monarchy to the U.S. government

• A discovery of vast oil reserves in Hawaiian territory

• A request from the native Hawaiian people to become a U.S. state

• A rebellion by American planters against the Hawaiian queen and a U.S. military intervention

What was the significance of the Great White Fleet?

• It was a group of American merchant ships that dominated trade in the Pacific

• It was a fleet of warships sent by European powers to enforce the Open Door Policy in China

• It was a modern, steam-powered U.S. Navy that symbolized America's growing global power

• It was a fleet of ships that transported American missionaries to convert people in the Pacific

What was 'Seward's Folly'?

• The annexation of Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean

• The signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa with Japan

• The purchase of Alaska from Russia, which was initially seen as a worthless territory

• The decision to send Commodore Perry to Japan to open trade relations

Why did some Americans believe in the idea of the 'white man’s burden'?

• They believed it was their duty to protect weaker nations from European imperialism

• They believed that white people were superior and had a responsibility to spread their culture to other races

• They believed that America should focus on domestic issues and avoid foreign entanglements

• They believed that all races were equal and should have the same rights and opportunities

Which of the following is an example of how American expansion in the Pacific affected the native population of Hawaii?

• American planters respected Hawaiian customs and traditions

• American missionaries helped to preserve the Hawaiian language

• American businesses worked to protect the natural environment of Hawaii

• The Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, and traditional Hawaiian practices were suppressed