American Imperialism

Starting off simple; Who won the presidential election of 1900?

• William Jennings Bryan

• Alton B. Parker

• William McKinley

• Theodore Roosevelt

Answer explanation

William Jennings Bryan lost the election of 1900 to William McKinley. Theodore Roosevelt was the Vice President and became president after the assassination of William McKinley. Alton B. Parker lost the election of 1904 to Theodore Roosevelt.

During McKinley's first term of Presidency, which of these did NOT become a US Imperial holding?

• Cuba

• Philippines

• Hawaii

• Liberia

Answer explanation

The United States helped found the country of Liberia in 1847

What led to the declaration of war against Spain?

• Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Cuba

• Humanitarian aid concerns in the Philippines

• Political Pressure from Democrats

• Personal issues with the Spanish from McKinley

Answer explanation

Many historians believe that the USS Maine was "blown"(get it) out of proportion. People within the US testified that it had to have been an external explosion and the rise of Yellow Journalism led to the push for the declaration of war. In reality, it was likely an internal explosion on the ship

What is Yellow Journalism?

• Journalism noted for the use of Sulfur to start taking Flash Photography

• Highly sensationalized pieces that often use exaggeration to be circulated

• Journalism spread and funded by the Libertarian Party

• Journalism that only criticizes the party in power

Answer explanation

Yellow Journalism helped to fuel the fire of the Spanish American War by providing sentiment in the US against Spain.

True or False: William McKinley did not initially want to declare war on Spain

• True

• False

True or False: In the election of 1900, William Jennings Bryan held a very Anti-Imperialist stance?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

William Jennings Bryan was a populist Democrat leader who did not approve of McKinley's handling of American Foreign Policy

His 128th Birthday--"Gee, but this is an awful stretch!", 1904

What message about imperialism did this political cartoon convey?

• the closer an acquired territory was, the more self-government it should be allowed to exercise

• imperialism was not likely to improve access to overseas markets

• it was not worth angering European powers to annex new territories

• the farther imperialist expansion extended, the harder it would be for the U.S. to maintain control

Which of the following was not a reason that William Jennings Bryan and the Democrats opposed Imperialism?

• The US split from an imperialist power and they felt it was hypocritical to become like that Empire

• They did not feel the US was in the economic position that they could support colonies

• The Democrats did not approve of William McKinley and advocated against his issues

• Democrats felt that Filipinos would not be able to assimilate into US culture and become involved in US affairs

Which of the following was a reason William McKinley and the Republicans wanted to become more imperialist?

• They worried that if the US did not gain those territories, others would

• They were enamored with the culture of the areas

• They saw the opportunity to build new Naval bases

• They wanted to find new places for Native Americans to live so they could continue to expand west

Answer explanation

They also felt that Filipinos and Cubans were inferior and incapable of ruling themselves, and they also understood the economic benefit these colonies may have for them.