USH Module 4B Section #1 Bellwork

What is imperialism?

• The expansion of military bases within a country

• A country expanding its power and control over other lands

• A government reducing its influence in foreign affairs

• The promotion of isolationism and neutrality

Match each imperialist motive with its correct explanation.

• American Exceptionalism

• Belief that some nations were superior and had a duty to civilize others

• Social Darwinism

• Need for naval bases and global military presence

• Economic Interests

• Idea that the U.S. was a model for other nations

• Military Expansion

• Desire for new markets, trade, and access to natural resources

The belief that certain nations were naturally stronger and better suited to rule over others was known as ​ (a)   , while the idea that it was the duty of the U.S. to civilize and help "weaker" nations was known as ​ (b)   .

• Social Darwinism
• The White Man’s Burden
• Yellow Journalism
• Isolationism
• Roosevelt Corollary
• Dollar Diplomacy

Sort the following justifications for U.S. imperialism into Economic, Social, or Political motives.

Groups:

(a) Economic

,

(b) Social

,

(c) Political

• Competing with European imperial powers

• Access to natural resources

• Need for new markets

• Social Darwinism

• Expanding military and naval power

• The White Man’s Burden

Arrange these key events in the order they occurred.

• Annexation of Hawaii

• Sinking of the USS Maine

• End of the Spanish-American War

• Seward’s Folly

Why was the annexation of Hawaii an important step in expanding American imperialism?

• It allowed the U.S. to claim land in the Caribbean

• It was rich in gold and oil, which fueled American industries

• It provided a strategic location for military and trade in the Pacific

• It helped the U.S. avoid involvement in global affairs

Match each territory with its significance.

• Philippines

• Allowed U.S. presence in the Caribbean

• Puerto Rico

• Important for naval refueling in the Pacific

• Guam

• Gave the U.S. a foothold in Asia for trade and military

Identify whether the following newspaper headlines represent Yellow Journalism or Factual Reporting.

Groups:

(a) Yellow Journalism

,

(b) Factual Reporting

• "USS Maine Sinks in Havana Harbor; Cause Uncertain"

• "Peace Talks Between U.S. and Spain Underway"

• "Spanish Authorities Brutally Butcher Innocent Cubans!"

• "Spanish Authorities Accused of Torture in Cuban Prisons!"

How did Yellow Journalism contribute to the start of the Spanish-American War?

• It provided factual reporting on Cuba’s independence movement

• It encouraged diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Spain

• It exaggerated Spanish atrocities in Cuba, increasing public demand for war

• It promoted isolationist policies and kept the U.S. out of conflict

The ​ (a)   was a U.S. naval ship that mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, leading to war with Spain. The ​ (b)   blamed Spain for the explosion without solid evidence, increasing public support for war.

• USS Maine
• Yellow Journalists
• USS Arizona
• USS Missouri
• Roosevelt Corollary
• Anti-Imperialists