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American Imperialism: Question 1 of 28
Which statement best describes President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy
position toward Latin America in the early 1900’s?
1. The United States should reduce its involvement in Latin American affairs.
2. The Monroe Doctrine permits the United States to intervene actively in the
affairs of Latin American nations.
3. Latin American nations should form an organization to help them achieve
political and economic stability.
4. The United States should give large amounts of financial aid to help the poor
of Latin Amenca.
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The Roosevelt’ Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904) further
establishes the United State’s ability to intervene in the affairs of Latin American
nations. He stated that the Monroe Doctrine (1823) required the US to act as “an
international police power”. This was used to justify US actions in Cuba, Panama and
other Latin American locales.
American Imperialism: Question 2 of 28
The Republican Presidents of the 1920’s generally followed a foreign policy based
on
1.
2.
3.
4.
collective security
brinkmanship
noninvolvement
militarism
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: Following the losses incurred in world war I and the rejection of the
Treaty of Versailles by the US Senate, the United States entered into an era of
protectionism and isolation. There were high tariffs that discouraged trade and a
general unwillingness of the United States to become involved in foreign nation’s
affairs.
American Imperialism: Question 3 of 28
The speakers below are discussing foreign policies that the United States has
followed at various times. Base your answers on their statements and on your
knowledge of social studies. Speaker A: Steer clear of permanent alliances with any
portion of the foreign world. Speaker B: The United States will give economic aid to
needy countries anywhere in the world, but will not provide military aid. Speaker C:
The United States must prevent the growth of communism. Speaker D: The United
States can take over other countries to help them become more like us. Which
speakers would most likely support a United States foreign policy of intervention
1.
2.
3.
4.
A and B
A and C
C and D
B and D
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: Active intervention in foreign affairs has been a hallmark of American
foreign policy since the Second World War. The Cold War focus on containment and
the active support on nearly any nation or regime opposing communism serves as a
classic example of this active intervention. The United States has also focused its
overseas activities on the spread of democratic ideals and capitalism economic
practices. These goals not only serve to further the political ideology on which the
nation was founded, but also serve to open markets to US goods and services,
strengthening the US economy and encouraging international trade.
American Imperialism: Question 4 of 28
The Monroe Doctrine declared that the United States would
1. prevent the establishment of new European colonies anywhere in the world
2. help colonies in North and South America adopt a democratic form of
government
3. view European interference in the Americas as a threat to the national interest
of the United States
4. prevent other nations from trading with South American nations
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: The declaration by Monroe in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 served to
frame US foreign policy and Europe’s role in North America for decades to come.
The main thrust of the doctrine was a warning to European nations to curtail further
expansion of colonial aims in the Western Hemisphere. Monroe also warned that
further expansion would be seen as a threat to United States interests. This idea
would be further expanded by President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt
Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to nonintervention by Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the
United States was perfectly acceptable.
American Imperialism: Question 5 of 28
One important conclusion that can be drawn as a result of the United States
experience in both the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Persian Gulf War
(1991) is that
1. only the President should decide issues of war and peace
2. the media are a powerful influence in shaping American public opinion
toward war
3. the public has little confidence in the ability of the American military
4. international organizations play a decisive role in determining the outcome of
a war
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The role of the “Yellow Press” in helping to bring about the SpanishAmerican War cannot be overstated. The exaggerations and hyperbole of reports
from the Cuban Revolution against Spain were printed daily in the competing papers
of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The resulting fervor over the
sinking of the USS Maine in Havana, Cuba and the press coverage that followed, all
but assured a war with the Spanish. Similarly, during the Gulf War, favorable
coverage of the war by the American press, coupled with the lack of actual “on the
ground” combat helped to shape public perception and support of the war effort.
American Imperialism: Question 6 of 28
In 1823, the Monroe Doctrine was established mainly because the United States
wanted to
1.
2.
3.
4.
keep control of Alaska and Hawaii
establish more colonies in Latin America
support England’s attempt to keep its empire in Central America
warn Europe against any further colonization in Latin America
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: The declaration by Monroe in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 served to
frame US foreign policy and Europe’s role in North America for decades to come.
The main thrust of the doctrine was a warning to European nations to curtail further
expansion of colonial aims in the Western Hemisphere. Monroe also warned that
further expansion would be seen as a threat to United States interests. This idea
would be further expanded by President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt
Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to nonintervention by Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the
United States was perfectly acceptable.
American Imperialism: Question 7 of 28
Why did the United States formulate the Open Door policy toward China?
1.
2.
3.
4.
to develop democratic institutions and practices in China
to prevent a European and Japanese monopoly of Chinese trade and markets
to establish a military presence on the Chinese mainland
to support Japanese efforts to industrialize China
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: As European powers divided the trade in Chine into “spheres of
influence”, the United States was just beginning to expand her reach and trade into
the orient. The “Open Door Policy” was a declaration by the United States that called
for equal, unrestricted trade with China by all nations.
American Imperialism: Question 8 of 28
From 1900 to 1915, a basic aim of United States foreign policy was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
develop close economic ties with African nations
oppose revolutionary movements in western Europe
promote United States influence in Latin America
prevent the spread of communism in western Europe and Asia
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to non-intervention by
Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the United States was
perfectly acceptable, began an era of active US intervention in Latin America. The
encouragement of a Panamanian Revolution, the construction of the Panama Canal,
the Nicaraguan banking intervention and other events, highlight the active role the
US was to take in the internal affairs of Latin American nations.
American Imperialism: Question 9 of 28
"I took the Canal and let Congress debate." -Theodore Roosevelt This quotation best
demonstrates
1.
2.
3.
4.
an effort by a President to maintain a policy of isolationism
a decline in the use of militarism as a defense policy
an increased reliance on the legislative process
a Presidential action that achieved a foreign policy objective
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: Theodore Roosevelt believed the Panama Canal to be a necessary trade
and transportation route that would encourage US growth as a world power. The
gains in the Pacific made during the Spanish-American war, along with increased US
intervention in Latin America, supported this need.
American Imperialism: Question 10 of 28
Early in the 20th century, Presidents William Taft and Woodrow Wilson used the
concept of dollar diplomacy to
1. help European nations avoid war
2. expand United States influence in China
3. protect United States investments in Latin America
4. support welfare programs for immigrants to the United States
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: Dollar Diplomacy was the foreign policy of using increasing US
influence and control in Latin American and abroad to support US economic interests
in those areas.
American Imperialism: Question 11 of 28
The main reason the United States developed the Open Door policy was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
allow the United States to expand its trade with China
demonstrate the positive features of democracy to Chinese leaders
aid the Chinese Nationalists in their struggle with the Chinese Communists
encourage Chinese workers to come to the United States
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: As European powers divided the trade in Chine into “spheres of
influence”, the United States was just beginning to expand her reach and trade into
the orient. The “Open Door Policy” was a declaration by the United States that called
for equal, unrestricted trade with China by all nations.
American Imperialism: Question 12 of 28
President Theodore Roosevelt’s policies toward Latin America were evidence of his
belief in
1.
2.
3.
4.
noninvolvement in world affairs
intervention when American business interests were threatened
the sovereign rights of all nations
the need for European interference in the Western Hemisphere
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to non-intervention by
Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the United States was
perfectly acceptable, began an era of active US intervention in Latin America. The
encouragement of a Panamanian Revolution, the construction of the Panama Canal,
the Nicaraguan banking intervention and other events, highlight the active role the
US was to take in the internal affairs of Latin American nations.
American Imperialism: Question 13 of 28
Throughout United States history, the most important aim of the country’s foreign
policy has been
1.
2.
3.
4.
participation in international organizations
advancement of national self-interest
containment of communism
development of military alliances
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The United States has also focused its overseas activities on the spread
of democratic ideals and capitalism economic practices. These goals not only serve to
further the political ideology on which the nation was founded, but also serve to open
markets to US goods and services, strengthening the US economy and encouraging
international trade.
American Imperialism: Question 14 of 28
Involvement in the Spanish-American War, acquisition of Hawaii, and introduction
of the Open Door policy in China were actions taken by the United States
Government to
1.
2.
3.
4.
establish military alliances with other nations
gain overseas markets and sources of raw materials
begin the policy of manifest destiny
support isolationist forces in Congress
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: As the United States looked to mirror the imperialist expansions of the
European powers, it looked towards conquest against Spain and the annexation of
territory as means to this expansion. The territories acquired in the Spanish-American
war (Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines) as well as the annexation of Hawaii served
as sources of raw materials as well as markets for finished goods. At the same time,
the United States was just beginning to expand her reach and trade into the orient.
The “Open Door Policy” was a declaration by the United States that called for equal,
unrestricted trade with China by all nations as a way of gaining access to the Chinese
market.
American Imperialism: Question 15 of 28
Which foreign policy position was held by both President James Monroe and
President Theodore Roosevelt?
1. Trade with other nations should be sharply reduced.
2. The United States should follow a policy of isolationism.
3. A special relationship should exist between the United States and the nations
of Latin America.
4. The United States should send troops to aid revolutionary movements in
European nations
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: The declaration by Monroe in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 served to
frame US foreign policy and Europe’s role in North America for decades to come.
The main thrust of the doctrine was a warning to European nations to curtail further
expansion of colonial aims in the Western Hemisphere. Monroe also warned that
further expansion would be seen as a threat to United States interests. This idea
would be further expanded by President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt
Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to nonintervention by Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the
United States was perfectly acceptable.
American Imperialism: Question 16 of 28
United States annexation of the Philippines (1898) and military involvement in
Vietnam (1960’s and 1970’s) are similar because in each event the United States
1.
2.
3.
4.
achieved its long-range foreign policy objectives
put the domino theory into action
demonstrated the strength and success of its military power
provoked domestic debate about its involvement in the internal affairs of
other nations
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: Shortly after acquisition of the Philippines, a revolution against United
States control of the islands was begun. It became a protracted war against the
Filipinos that sparked furious debate within the United States about the conflicts
between being an Imperial Power and a Democracy. This internal questioning of
foreign policy is similar to the debates occurring during the US’s involvement in
Vietnam.
American Imperialism: Question 17 of 28
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, United States policy toward Latin
America was most strongly characterized by
1.
2.
3.
4.
friendship and trust
intervention and paternalism
tolerance and humanitarianism
indifference and neglect
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to non-intervention by
Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the United States was
perfectly acceptable, began an era of active US intervention in Latin America. The
encouragement of a Panamanian Revolution, the construction of the Panama Canal,
the Nicaraguan banking intervention and other events, highlight the active role the
US was to take in the internal affairs of Latin American nations.
American Imperialism: Question 18 of 28
The principle that the United States has the right to act as the "policeman of the
Western Hemisphere" and intervene in the internal affairs of Latin American nations
was established by the
1.
2.
3.
4.
Good Neighbor policy
Open Door policy
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
Marshall Plan
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: President Theodore Roosevelt in his Roosevelt Corollary to the
Monroe Doctrine, in which he reaffirmed a commitment to non-intervention by
Europe, but added that active intervention in Latin America by the United States was
perfectly acceptable, began an era of active US intervention in Latin America. The
encouragement of a Panamanian Revolution, the construction of the Panama Canal,
the Nicaraguan banking intervention and other events, highlight the active role the
US was to take in the internal affairs of Latin American nations.
American Imperialism: Question 19 of 28
Which argument was used to support United States acquisition of overseas
possessions in the late 1800’s?
1. The United States needed to obtain raw materials and new markets.
2. The spread of Marxist ideas had to be stopped because they threatened world
peace.
3. The United States should be the first world power to build a colonial empire.
4. The doctrine of Manifest Destiny had become obsolete.
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: As the United States looked to mirror the imperialist expansions of the
European powers, it looked towards conquest against Spain and the annexation of
territory as means to this expansion. The territories acquired in the Spanish-American
war (Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines) as well as the annexation of Hawaii served
as sources of raw materials as well as markets for finished goods. At the same time,
the United States was just beginning to expand her reach and trade into the orient.
The “Open Door Policy” was a declaration by the United States that called for equal,
unrestricted trade with China by all nations as a way of gaining access to the Chinese
market.
American Imperialism: Question 20 of 28
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, United States intervention in Latin
America was motivated by the United States desire to
1.
2.
3.
4.
protect its growing investments in Latin America
encourage Latin American trade with Europe
end Latin American independence movements
reduce the influence of communism in Latin America
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: Dollar Diplomacy was the foreign policy of using increasing US
influence and control in Latin American and abroad to support US economic interests
in those areas.
American Imperialism: Question 21 of 28
“But today we are raising more than we can consume. Today we are making more
than we can use. Today our industrial society is congested; there are more workers
than there is work; there is more capital than there is investment. We do not need
more money—we need more circulation, more employment. Therefore, we must find
new markets for our produce, new occupation for our capital, new work for our labor.
. . .” — Senator Albert J. Beveridge, 1898 This statement provides a reason why
political leaders of the late 1800s adopted the policy of
1.
2.
3.
4.
imperialism
isolationism
protectionism
collective security
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 22 of 28
Which United States foreign policy was most directly related to the rise of big
business in the late 1800s?
1.
2.
3.
4.
containment
imperialism
détente
neutrality
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 23 of 28
The main reason the United States implemented the Open Door policy in China was
to
1. promote immigration
2. expand democratic reforms
3. encourage religious freedom
4. guarantee access to markets
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 24 of 28
Which United States policy is most closely associated with the annexation of Hawaii
and the Philippines?
1.
2.
3.
4.
neutrality
isolationism
imperialism
international cooperation
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 25 of 28
Yellow journalists created support for the Spanish-American War by writing articles
about the
1.
2.
3.
4.
political popularity of William Jennings Bryan
efforts of the United States to control Mexico
destruction of United States sugar plantations by Hawaiians
sinking of the United States battleship Maine in Havana Harbor
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: Newspaper publishers such as Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World
and William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal competed for readers and
sales by sensationalizing events and exaggerating accounts of the news in what came
to be known as the "Yellow Press" of the late 1800's and early 1900's. An example of
the yellow journalists in influencing public opinion can be seen in how the explosion
of the USS Maine was depicted and Spain assumed responsible.
American Imperialism: Question 26 of 28
Which factor is most closely associated with the decision of the United States to
declare war on Spain in 1898?
1.
2.
3.
4.
isolationist policy
labor union pressure
yellow journalism
unrestricted submarine warfare
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 27 of 28
News organizations were engaging in yellow journalism before the SpanishAmerican War when
1.
2.
3.
4.
publishers tried to prevent the war
articles about Cuba were fair and balanced
editors exaggerated events to build support for war
writers ignored the situation in Cuba
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation:
American Imperialism: Question 28 of 28
The United States issued the Open Door policy (1899–1900) primarily to
1.
2.
3.
4.
bring democratic government to the Chinese people
secure equal trade opportunities in China
force China to change its immigration policies
use China as a stepping stone to trade with Japan
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation:
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