U.S. Foreign Policy and Imperialism

The lecture discusses American imperialism, highlighting the shift from isolationism to global influence. It covers motivations like nationalism, manifest destiny, and social Darwinism. The role of militarism and strategic bases is examined, with a focus on the annexation of Hawaii and the Spanish-American War. The lecture concludes with the Open Door Policy in China, emphasizing US interests and international relations.

What was the primary focus of American foreign policy before the 1880s?

• Expanding influence in Europe

• Isolationism and domestic issues

• Building a global empire

• Establishing trade routes in Asia

Which ideology suggested that stronger nations should control weaker ones?

• Mercantilism

• Manifest Destiny

• Social Darwinism

• Isolationism

Why did American planters in Hawaii want the U.S. to annex the islands?

• To establish a military base

• To avoid tariffs on sugar

• To gain independence from Britain

• To promote tourism

What event led to the U.S. declaring war on Spain in 1898?

• The Boxer Rebellion

• The annexation of Hawaii

• The explosion of the USS Maine

• The De Lôme letter

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris 1898?

• Spain retained control of Puerto Rico

• The U.S. annexed the Philippines

• Cuba gained full independence

• The U.S. withdrew from Guam

Which of the following was NOT a cause of the Spanish-American War?

• Cuban Revolution

• Yellow Journalism

• Open Door Policy

• USS Maine explosion

What was the significance of the Platt Amendment for Cuba?

• It allowed the U.S. to control Cuban foreign policy

• It ended the Spanish-American War

• It annexed Cuba as a U.S. state

• It granted Cuba full independence

How did the U.S. justify its annexation of the Philippines?

• To establish a naval base

• To exploit natural resources

• To Christianize and educate the population

• To spread democracy

What was the main goal of the Open Door Policy in China?

• To establish U.S. colonies in China

• To ensure equal trading rights for all nations

• To convert Chinese people to Christianity

• To partition China among imperialist nations

What was the Boxer Rebellion's impact on U.S. policy in China?

• It strengthened U.S. military presence in China

• It ended U.S. trade with China

• It led to the partition of China

• It resulted in compensation for damages