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The Age of Imperialism
on-line Questions
Directions: Answer all questions in complete sentences and to the best of your ability.
Any answers not in correct form will receive no credit.
Who is the main person that preached the expansion of U.S. Influence into the Pacific?
Captain Alfred T. Mahan
What was his reasoning in pushing for this expansion.
Captain Alfred T. Mahan cautioned that the Pacific could "be entered and
controlled
What did Commodore Perry do that made him “famous”?
He refused to speak with anyone in Japan under his rank and refused to do
anything the Japanese said until he spoke with someone equal to his rank.
Explain the reasoning for Perry's actions?
He wasn't going to get anything he wanted unless he spoke with someone
with a higher authority.
Who was Queen Liliuokalani?
The last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii
What was the Spanish-American war fought over?
This war was fought because the United States intervened with foreign
political issues in Spain's Colonies.
What touched it off?
The sinking of the Maine
Define Yellow-Journalism.
Lying on stories to make the topic seem more interesting or to stretch the
story out longer.
Describe the battle of Manila Bay.
Commodore George Dewey found the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay on the
first of May. The Spanish opened fire long before the Americans were within range.
When the Americans were finally in range, in a single file line, Commodore Dewey
led the Americans, opening fire on the Spanish. They made 5 trips of open fire
around the Spanish. Two hours later the battle was over and the American fleet had
won.
Who were the Rough Riders?
A cavalry unit Cuba led by Theodore Roosevelt.
Explain the war/rebellion in the Philippines.
The US had promised Filipino nationalists that they would help throw off the
yoke of Spanish colonialism. After easily defeating the Spanish, the Americans
decided they fancied a bit of colonialism themselves. They broke their promises and
took control of the country. Thus began a war with heavy casualties, particularly on
the Philippine side. According to the Philippines' National Historical Institute, as
many as 600,000 Filipinos died, although other historians have much lower
estimates.
Define Spheres of influence.
A metaphorical region of political influences surrounding a country or a
region of economic influence around an urban area.
What role did Sanford B. Dole play in the downfall of the Hawaiian monarchy?
Dole was president of the provisional government that was established by
American residents in Hawaii to replace the traditional monarchy. Dole later
blocked President Cleveland's attempt to restore Queen Liliuokalani to the throne.
Why was the Spanish-American war called “a splendid little war”?
The Spanish-American War was "splendid" in that it was won quickly with
very few American casualties
Why was the war in the Philippines less populr with the American People than the
Spanish-American War had been?
More Americans died in the war in the Philippines. The morality of fighting
the war was far less clear.
What were the Fists of Righteous Harmony, or “Boxers,” rebelling against?
The Boxers rebelled against foreign influence in China.
What was the point of John Hay's Open Door policy?
The Open Door policy sought to open all of China, including the spheres of
influence claimed by various European nations, to trade with the United States.
Why was it important to complete the Panama Canal?
Roosevelt saw the strategic importance of a canal linking the Pacific and
Atlantic oceans at a time when the United States was acquiring a global empire. The
canal would allow the U.S. navy to move quickly to defend the nation's interests in
both oceans.
Who was Cornelius Vanderbilt, and what did he attempt to do in Nicaragua?
Cornelius Vanderbilt was a wealthy businessman who had a transportation
company in Nicaragua. He plotted to take control of the country by hiring William
Walker to overthrow the government.
What were some of the methods by which the united States expanded its economic and
political influence around the world in the late 1800's and early 1900's? How did
economic interests sometimes lead to military action? Cite specific examples.
Military force in Japan with Commodore Perry's fleet of battleships in Edo
Bay to convince the Japanese government to agree to trade concessions. Economic
force in Hawaii Americans moved to the islands, started businesses, and gradually
took over the economy. American residents created and controlled a legislature in
Hawaii, and when Queen Liliuokalani tried to get rid of American influence in her
nation's government, the Americans used military force and political maneuvering
to overthrow her. Eventually the islands were annexed to the United States.
Why did the American consul in Cuba, Fitzhugh Lee, ask to have a battleship sent to
Havana harbor? What was the Cubans' perception of the Maine's presence? Do you
think the United States had a right to station a battleship in the harbor? How might the
Spanish-American war have been avoided through better communication and sensitivity
on all sides?
Fitzhugh Lee requested a battleship to protect American interests during
some rebellions in Cuba. It seemed like a direct threat to their safety and
sovereignty. The explosion of the Maine was most likely a response to this threat. If
they had communicated better about the meaning of the ship's presence, it may
never have been bombed at all.
What is the meaning of Teddy Roosevelt's motto “Speak softly, and carry a big stick” in
regard to foreign policy? How did he implement this policy during his presidency? What
do you think of the policy? Is it effective? Is it right?
Roosevelt's motto meant that American diplomacy should be helped by a
strong military force. Roosevelt used this policy during negotiations over the
Panama Canal. I don't like this policy, I think that not everything has to be solved
with military action. Sometimes it's effective, but only in the right situations,
situations that require military action is there is no choice.