American imperialism

• What was the significant influence on the emergence of the USA as a world power during the nineteenth century?


  Isolation and secure position surrounded by oceans and weak neighbors
• What did George Washington recommend in 1796 regarding foreign policy?


  To avoid alliances and an adventurous foreign policy
• What important statements did President Monroe make in 1823?


  USA would not tolerate European intervention in the Americas and would not interfere in Europe
• Why was the Monroe Doctrine's importance considered symbolic rather than real at the time?


  America lacked the military power to enforce it
• What prevented European intervention in South America during Monroe's time?


  British diplomacy and the power of the Royal Navy
• How is America's foreign policy in the 19th century typically described?

  As shaped by isolationism
• What phrase summed up the westward expansion of the USA in the 19th century?

  'Manifest Destiny'
• What did 'Manifest Destiny' justify in the context of US expansion?


  It justified aggression against native Indians and Mexicans
• What were the significant territories absorbed into the USA during the 1840s due to Manifest Destiny?


  Texas, California, and Oregon
• What was one method of acquiring land from European powers in the 19th century?

  Purchasing land, such as Louisiana in 1803 and Alaska in 1867
• How did the Civil War affect US involvement in international affairs?


  It deterred significant involvement in international affairs
• What were the three reasons for the changing situation of the USA by the late 19th century?


  Economic growth, naval requirements, and Pacific expansion
• How much did America's GNP grow from 1869-73 to 1897-1901?

  From $9 billion to $37 billion
• What percentage of the world's manufactured goods were made in the USA by 1900?


  30% of the world's manufactured goods
• How did increased trade affect America's naval requirements?


  America needed a stronger navy to protect trade and overseas bases
• What was the size of the US navy in 1885 compared to 1905?


  It grew from very small to the third largest in the world
• What new bases did America acquire in the Pacific during the late 19th century?

  New bases in Samoa and Hawaii
• When was Hawaii annexed by the USA?


  In 1898
• What was the significance of the McKinley Tariff for Hawaiian sugar growers?


  It removed duties on raw sugar, harming their trading advantage
• What led to the rebellion led by Queen Lili’uokalani in Hawaii?


  The death of the Hawaiian king and calls for American help
• What was the outcome of the rebellion in Hawaii?


  The rebels surrendered after the arrival of American marines
• What arguments were made against the annexation of Hawaii?


  Concerns about becoming an imperial power
• How did the war with Spain in Cuba influence the annexation of Hawaii?


  It strengthened arguments for annexation
• When did the Spanish-American War take place?


  In April 1898
• What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War?


  Recognition of Cuban independence and annexation of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam
• What debate arose from the acquisition of the Philippines?


  Concerns about the morality of empire and potential foreign conflicts
• What was the cost of the Philippine-American War in terms of American lives and expenditure?


  4,200 American lives and $170 million
• What did the acquisition of the Philippines reveal about American imperialism?


  It confirmed fears about the liabilities of empire
• Who succeeded President McKinley after his assassination in 1901?


  Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt
• What is the principle behind Roosevelt's 'big stick' diplomacy?


  Engaging in diplomacy backed by the threat of military force
• What significant event did the USA intervene in regarding Panama in 1903?


  The dispute between Colombia and Panama leading to Panama's independence
• What strategic advantage did the Panama Canal provide to the USA?


  It connected the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean
• How did the USA influence Cuba after its independence?


  Cuba became an economic colony of the USA
• What did the Platt Amendment allow the USA to do in Cuba?


  Intervene in Cuba if independence or stable government was threatened
• What naval base did the USA establish in Cuba?

  A permanent naval base in Guantanamo Bay
• What action did the USA take regarding the Dominican Republic in 1904?


  Controlled the customs revenue to pay off debts
• How did American corporations influence Central America?


  US corporations dominated local economies
• What was John Hay's 'open door' policy regarding China?


  All foreign nations should have equal commercial access to China
• What was the nature of US-Japan relations at the turn of the century?


  Tense due to immigration and territorial ambitions
• What was the outcome of the Treaty of Portsmouth negotiated by Roosevelt?


  Japan was given a free hand in Korea