USA's Foreign Policy and Africa

In the late 19th century, the Berlin Conference marked the Scramble for Africa, where European powers divided African territories. The US, despite attending, did not participate due to its focus on internal expansion, existing land resources, and the Monroe Doctrine, which prioritized influence in the Americas. The US proposed free trade in Africa, which was largely dismissed, but secured trade access in the Congo. Relations with Liberia, a settlement for freed slaves, also provided trade opportunities. The US's non-participation was influenced by its existing continental dominance and strategic focus.

What was the main reason for the Berlin Conference in 1885?

• To promote peace in Europe

• To form alliances against the USA

• To discuss European claims in Africa

• To establish trade routes in Asia

Why did the USA propose a different plan at the Berlin Conference?

• To gain control over African territories

• To promote free trade and open waterways

• To establish military bases in Africa

• To support European colonization efforts

What was a key theme of US foreign policy in the late 19th to early 20th century?

• Isolationism

• Trade and commerce

• Military expansion

• Colonization

What was the outcome of the USA's proposal at the Berlin Conference?

• It was dismissed

• It led to a new treaty

• It was partially accepted

• It was fully accepted

What was one reason the USA did not join the Scramble for Africa?

• It was focused on integrating its western lands

• It was allied with African nations

• It had no interest in foreign trade

• It lacked military power

How did Liberia's relationship with the USA influence American decisions?

• Liberia was a major trading partner

• Liberia was a colony of the USA

• Liberia was a military ally

• Liberia provided access to African trade

What was the status of Liberia in relation to the USA by 1847?

• A European colony

• An independent nation with strong US ties

• A fully integrated US state

• A US military base

What was the Monroe Doctrine primarily concerned with?

• Protecting European interests in Africa

• Preventing European expansion in the Americas

• Establishing American colonies in Asia

• Promoting European trade in the Americas

Which continent was the USA primarily focused on influencing during the late 19th century?

• Europe

• Asia

• South America

• Africa

Why did the USA feel it had no need to compete for African territories?

• It had already established colonies in Africa

• It had dominance over two continents

• It was focused on Asian expansion

• It lacked interest in African resources