1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
Fighting broke out between American and Filipino forces because the Filipinos thought that they would have independence after the Spanish left but U.S. troops stayed there to 'establish control' and it was ordered by the U.S. Also, before the treaty was even passed an American soldier had fired on a Filipino who had refused to stop which had started fighting around the Manila area. The Filipinos thought that they were fighting for their independence which was why they fought against Americans in the Philippines having heard of that incident and knowing that they weren't granted their independence.
b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
This was a different kind of warfare for American forces by the Filipino forces being a quick-striking guerilla movement. The U.S. was used to organized armies, but in this war the common rules for their 'normal' wars was completely ignored by the Filipino forces. Also, it was hard for American troops to tell the difference from Filipino insurgents and just regular citizens because they made themselves blend in with everyone else or they just didn't have any uniforms and etcetera. On both sides, both the Filipino and American forces, were torturing and executing their prisoners.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African-Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because they were just as badly discriminated against as were at home in America. They couldn't go in barber shops, restaurants, and etcetera that were labeled as "whites only." Although, the War Department had appointed African-American officers to command the volunteers, but the white troops and commanders saw the Filipinos and African-Americans as just the same (they were below the whites).
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. The many questions pertaining to the Filipinos that had to do with their rights and being able to be protected or not under the constitution which eventually turned out to be that they weren't.
b.Everyone, like President Roosevelt, started realizing the difficulties of ruling an empire and that they weren't "prepared to accept the burdens of empire." When they realized the difficulties they became less and less interested and eventually gave more and more power to the Filipinos while the U.S. got less and less power from giving its power over to them.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
The positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba were being able to extending our industrial inventions and etc. on the islands, watch over Cuba's foreign trade and etc., and we profited from Cuba's sugar plantations. In Puerto Rico the U.S. built roads, telegraph lines, reorganized finances, schools opened, sanitation improved, and stopped yellow fever from spreading. Also, the U.S. made a policy that revolved around keeping American business safe and secured their interests in the Caribbean.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. America could use their veto power to intervene on the Cuban foreign policy
b.could intervene in Cuba whenever it was necessary "for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty"
c.could oversee Cuba's economy
d.and were allowed to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island in Guantanamo Bay.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
I believe that the United States was not justified in making these demands. The U.S. had no right to keep their hold on Cuba, they didn't want them there. We should just be concerned in what is going on in our country not others, they should've just focused, if anything foreign, on foreign trade and keeping the exports selling and imports coming. We didn't need "extra baggage" to take care of when they can do it themselves. We should've focused on the people, like their working conditions, the cities and their drainage problems and stuff like that which is much more important for the U.S.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
I believe that the United States was and attempted at being imperialist. They had got theses foreign lands and failed at trying to control them. They were imperialists because of their attempt at trying to control Cuba, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Then after they lost interest and for some lost control, like the Philippines, they were no longer an imperialistic country or power. Also, in the beginning (before the Spanish-American War) many people began having imperialistic ideas and they took over what America 'wanted.' Then soon they got themselves involved and their empire was on, though they never made it to becoming an empire.
Showing posts with label Navy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Navy. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Spanish-American War
1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
Some connections the U.S. had with Cuba in the late 1800s were the sugar industry and the depression of 1893 effecting their economies. The U.S. removed the tariffs on the sugar from Cuba that entered their market which made it less expensive to buy sugar in the U.S., which boosted the Cuban economy and American investors on the island. Also, the depression of 1893 effected both Cuba's and America's economies. The depression pressured the U.S. to cut back on imports and to try to protect their sugar inestors on Cuba. It also made the Cubans become to rebel, again, against Spain.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
They were the towns were the "peasants" were held so they couldn't help the rebels in any way, and the camps were filled with disease, there was starvation, inadequate food, housing, and sanitation which made many people die. The "peasants" were actually 'herded' there by their governor, Valeriano Weyler, and in the camps they were watched by Spanish troops.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The brutality in the camps made U.S. citizens feel bad for them and that they should help.
b. They were greatly insulted by the Spanish minister's letter and it angered many people
c. They U.S.S. Maine explosion was 'blown' out of proportion and newspapers blamed the Spanish which the public believed and agreed with them.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe that the brutality in the camps against the "peasant" Cubans was the most important reason because the tactics of General Maximo Gomez and Spain were horrible, the "peasants" or citizens of Spain shouldn't be put inton camps just because Spain didn't want them helping the rebels. They, Spain and General Gomez, went way across the line in trying to keep their hold on Cuba. For that reason the United States had a perfect reason to intervene and go to war against Spain. Also, America went through almost the same thing with their independence from Britain they should look at this as an addition to independent countries and to still prove that the U.S. is powerful.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no interest in "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control 'over Cuba and promised' to leave the government and control of the island to its people 'once peace was restored.'" Or in other words the United States had no interest in controling Cuba and thought that they should govern themselves but once peace is back in the country. Two problems, though, came with this ammendment (they were told from groups and people). Anti-imperialists saw that there was a larger plan that America was making to make their own empire with the intervention in Cuba, and sugar growers were fearful of the annexation of Cuba because with Cuba they would have no competition in the market.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because there was a Spanish base there in Manila and the U.S. were already in there before the war was even declared so they easily took control which spiked pride in the U.S. Also, they could expand its foreign territories and push Spain furthur away.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _PHILIPPINES_ sparked an outpouring of _PRIDE_ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight in Cuba because they were being very patriotic and confident that they could win. They were the typical white Americans whom were proud of their country and the group was just made up of the 'best' in the country which made them very confident.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the war because they saw it as an opportunity to raise their status in the U.S., could win them respect in the community, and help take out the discrimination towards them.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
One was that they were denied promotions to be officer corps and at first were rejected by all but three states for even volunteering to participate in the war. Also, only one of the four all African-American regiments were sent to fight which was the regiment from Massachusetts, and although their bravery was known their uniforms didn't make the discriminations against them any better; they still faced the same discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
Racism influence perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines by the U.S. believing that they weren't capable of governing themselves. They saw the Spanish as backward and cruel. Also, the U.S. put themselves as superior over everyone else (meaning the African-Americans, Chinese, Cubans, and etcetera)which made their racism overtake their perceptions of these countries.
a. One example is the negotiation over the future of Cuba. The U.S. completely ignored the Cubans saying that since they were black they weren't capable of making their own government, and from the Teller Ammendment they thought that they should occupy them until they have a government and etcetera.
b. Another example is the negotiations over the Philippines. Not many Americans knew what they were like and the newspapers made cartoons of them that made them look like junglemen and the skin of African-Americans; even President Taft called them "little brown brothers" which made the white Americans believe that the Philipinos also couldn't govern themselves but the African-Americans were greatly for them.
Some connections the U.S. had with Cuba in the late 1800s were the sugar industry and the depression of 1893 effecting their economies. The U.S. removed the tariffs on the sugar from Cuba that entered their market which made it less expensive to buy sugar in the U.S., which boosted the Cuban economy and American investors on the island. Also, the depression of 1893 effected both Cuba's and America's economies. The depression pressured the U.S. to cut back on imports and to try to protect their sugar inestors on Cuba. It also made the Cubans become to rebel, again, against Spain.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
They were the towns were the "peasants" were held so they couldn't help the rebels in any way, and the camps were filled with disease, there was starvation, inadequate food, housing, and sanitation which made many people die. The "peasants" were actually 'herded' there by their governor, Valeriano Weyler, and in the camps they were watched by Spanish troops.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. The brutality in the camps made U.S. citizens feel bad for them and that they should help.
b. They were greatly insulted by the Spanish minister's letter and it angered many people
c. They U.S.S. Maine explosion was 'blown' out of proportion and newspapers blamed the Spanish which the public believed and agreed with them.
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I believe that the brutality in the camps against the "peasant" Cubans was the most important reason because the tactics of General Maximo Gomez and Spain were horrible, the "peasants" or citizens of Spain shouldn't be put inton camps just because Spain didn't want them helping the rebels. They, Spain and General Gomez, went way across the line in trying to keep their hold on Cuba. For that reason the United States had a perfect reason to intervene and go to war against Spain. Also, America went through almost the same thing with their independence from Britain they should look at this as an addition to independent countries and to still prove that the U.S. is powerful.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment said that the U.S. had no interest in "sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control 'over Cuba and promised' to leave the government and control of the island to its people 'once peace was restored.'" Or in other words the United States had no interest in controling Cuba and thought that they should govern themselves but once peace is back in the country. Two problems, though, came with this ammendment (they were told from groups and people). Anti-imperialists saw that there was a larger plan that America was making to make their own empire with the intervention in Cuba, and sugar growers were fearful of the annexation of Cuba because with Cuba they would have no competition in the market.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American War was fought in the Philippines because there was a Spanish base there in Manila and the U.S. were already in there before the war was even declared so they easily took control which spiked pride in the U.S. Also, they could expand its foreign territories and push Spain furthur away.
7. Dewey’s victory in the _PHILIPPINES_ sparked an outpouring of _PRIDE_ in the United States.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
They wanted to fight in Cuba because they were being very patriotic and confident that they could win. They were the typical white Americans whom were proud of their country and the group was just made up of the 'best' in the country which made them very confident.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans were eager to serve in the war because they saw it as an opportunity to raise their status in the U.S., could win them respect in the community, and help take out the discrimination towards them.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
One was that they were denied promotions to be officer corps and at first were rejected by all but three states for even volunteering to participate in the war. Also, only one of the four all African-American regiments were sent to fight which was the regiment from Massachusetts, and although their bravery was known their uniforms didn't make the discriminations against them any better; they still faced the same discrimination.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
Racism influence perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines by the U.S. believing that they weren't capable of governing themselves. They saw the Spanish as backward and cruel. Also, the U.S. put themselves as superior over everyone else (meaning the African-Americans, Chinese, Cubans, and etcetera)which made their racism overtake their perceptions of these countries.
a. One example is the negotiation over the future of Cuba. The U.S. completely ignored the Cubans saying that since they were black they weren't capable of making their own government, and from the Teller Ammendment they thought that they should occupy them until they have a government and etcetera.
b. Another example is the negotiations over the Philippines. Not many Americans knew what they were like and the newspapers made cartoons of them that made them look like junglemen and the skin of African-Americans; even President Taft called them "little brown brothers" which made the white Americans believe that the Philipinos also couldn't govern themselves but the African-Americans were greatly for them.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Imperialism: The Origins of a Global Power
1. Why did American plantation owners and U.S. Marines topple Hawaii’s queen in 1893? Why was Hawaii considered to be a valuable prize? What was President Grover Cleveland’s reaction? Do you agree or disagree with his quote on page 1?
American plantation owner's and U.S. Marines toppled Hawaii's queen in 1893 because Hawaii was very valuable to the United States. It was very valuable because it was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean which would and did make a crucial stop for ships en route to East Asia. Also, the soil enriched from the volcanoes made it perfect for growing sugar, pineapple, and coffee. President Grover Cleveland's reaction to the topple of Hawaii's queen and the annexation of Hawaii was complete disagreement. He said that we should only take over a nation (or country or what evey it may be) that it be because they need help. Also, he said that if we come to help them when they need it than it makes the U.S. look good and they end up liking us which helps us take over them. I disagree with his quote because if a nation like the U.S. wants to take over and has the power sure go ahead and take over, but only if the state in return approves of it. Also, I think that any nation that is capable to run itself than we have no need to interfere or even forcibly take over.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
One important change that transformed America in the nineteenth century was immigration. Immigration affected Americans by broadening the ethnic diversity in America, and they all leaned towards living in the cities in America (such as Boston and New York City) which made the cities crowded and harder to find jobs in the cities and there became problems in the cities such as crime and sanitation. Also, urbanization, from the influx of immigrants into the U.S., helped to transform America. It affected Americans by making it harder for them to find jobs, and some were afraid that the immigrants would take their jobs from them because they would accept lower wages. Agricultural began to fall from the U.S. which helped to transform it. More and more people took jobs that directly or indirectly worked with the land, and soon manufacturing took over agriculture as the leading source of the nation's wealth. As manufacturing took over the people relied more on the new inventions that occurred during this time. For example, when machines made it easier to make railroads and railroads were being built up like bunnies have baby bunnies farmers then relied on the railroads to transfer their goods to sell them. Also, the native-born Americans saw the immigrants as a threat to their success and progress in the U.S. become stalled because they thought that the new immigrants weren't capable of working industriously and weren't as smart as they should be (like the native-born Americans). Another transormation in the U.S. during the nineteenth century was the needed labor in the industries. The industries in America needed laborers in their factories and etcetera to make them profitable and get work done in them, and the affect of needed labores to the people was that it changed the American values, which they didn't want. Fourthly, international trade greatly transformed the U.S. It became significant in the U.S. economy because european nations and others wanted their goods and made the U.S. great profits. In turn it made Americans happier because it made them and the U.S. more successful and powerful. Also, advances in transportation and machine-assisted farming increased the amount of agricultural exports, which made American manufacturers compete in the international market. Soon big businesses gained political power and the small farmers began to dwindle in existance in politics. This greatly affected Americans; as big businesses got more power the middle-classes and lower-classes began to have no voice in politics because the big businesses (which mainly consisted of first-classes and part of middle-class) began to take over in politics.
3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
The economic depression that began in 1893 deepened the divisions in American society by making everybody worry about something. For example, the city dwellers worried about insercurity, the laborers worried about losing their jobs, the plantation owners worried about losing profits, and farmers became more poor because of the even more decrease of income. The groups that suffered the most during the depression were the city dwellers, laborers, and farmers. The city dwellers found it hard to find jobs, while the laborers were fighting to keep their job(s), and the farmers became more and more poor.
4. What were the values many Americans attached to the frontier? Why did many Americans fear that the closing of the frontier would harm America’s national character?
The values that many American attached to the frontier were resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism. Many American feared that the closing of the frontier would harm America's national character because they believed that it would put their values in jeopardy. When the American economy began to dwindle they became fearful that the nation would no longer progress; without the progress their values would slowly die and they definitely did not want that to happen because then there wouldn't be "civilization" in America. They would no longer be able to prosper and spread their 'civilness' to other nations, they wanted to have power and without any more expansion they couldn't have more power or attain their duty in civlizing others.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggested greater involvement overseas because they had fears of the United States' future, like the fear about the changing American character and the belief in American power. Most Americans feared that the nation's economic growth would stall and they didn't want that, they wanted to keep getting better and progressing.
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
Expansionists said that the best way to ensure the economic success of the United States would be to put a more aggressive approach towards dealing with other nations. They believed that foreign (or overseas) expansion would continue to make the economic growth in the U.S., the foreign nations would be potentially great consumers in the American market and manufacturing businesses. Also, they saw European and Japanese nations were forcing on China rules that would set standards on the Chinese trade; so America became afraid of not being able to or ever accessing the Chinese market. Imperialists said that making an empire overseas would secure export markets, raw materials, and cheap labor; and that their stragedy was essential in making America's role in the world more prominant and known. Also, they believed that expanding overseas was part of their manifest destiny.
7. How did the theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lend support to the cause of American imperialism? How were these pseudo-scientific theories used to justify racist policies and imperialism? Are they still used today?
The followers of Darwin took "survival of the fittest" to the extreme and called it social Darwinism. They took it that they could be and are the fittest thus if they took over other nations they would be superior while the others would "die off," which supported the cause of American imperialism by saying that they could rule and have a great empire easily by taking over foreign nations. Also, they believed that they (like the Anglo-saxons) were more fit to rule and have more power than the other 'lower' races. Also, scientists said that Germans and Europeans were the highest in intelligence and energy while Africa, the U.S., and everywhere else were the "lowest levels of humankind" which was known as scientific racism. The pseudo-scientific theories were used to justify racist policies and imperialism by convincing many people, including Americans, that it was their destiny to rule and that the 'lowers' shouldn't rule they weren't 'intelligent' enough. The pseudo-scientific theories are not completely used today against all races and ethnicities. For example, African-Americans and other immigrants like the Chines aren't seem as less intelligent anymore, but now that there's a war in Iraq the U.S. government and some people believe that the Iraqians and the others around there need help from us. Implying that they can't hold power by themselves, they need more 'intelligent' people like the U.S. to help them hold power or we'll just hold it for them.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
Many Protestant churches said that America's role in the world was to also expand overseas so they could "civilize" everyone besides the Anglo-Saxons. Also, some Protestant churches saw that it was God's plan for the human race to civilize each other. Then some said that after America's expansion in the entire world there would be peace everywhere. Another saying, some said that it was the nation's duty to civilize the other nations so that they could ensure civilization and so export markets could "spread properly."
9. Why did the United States become involved in several Latin American nations in the nineteenth century? Summarize why the United States became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and other Latin American nations.
The United States became involved in several Latin Americna nations in the nineteenth century because they wanted to expand overseas, become more economic in the exporting market, and to "civilize" some nations. The United States became involved in Samoa because they were interested in the land for themselves like for ship refueling stations, farming, and expansion (more power). Then Germany and Britain tried to get land in Samoa which made America compete and then finally agree to share parts of the land; Britain adn Germany ended up getting some land in Samoa in a partition. The U.S. also became involved in Hawaii because of its' location in the Pacific Ocean and the volcanic rich soil that was great for sugar, pineapple, and coffee plantations. Also, the U.S. was afraid of Japanese control in Hawaii, they may not be able to access their naval base at Pearl Harbor. Also, the U.S. had interest in Venezuela because it had gold and was being 'bullied' by Britain; the U.S. then feared that if Britain took control of Venezuela and dug up the land it would interfere with U.S. foreign trade. The U.S. also got involved with Chile and the Brazilian revolution and Nicaragua because they didn't want their future plans of building a canal in Nicaragua to be canceled because of them.
10. Why was the United States concerned about British involvement in Venezuela? What concept did U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoke in response?
The United States was concerned about British involvement in Venezuaela because they didn't like the fact that Britain was supposidly "bullying" Venezuela, and if Britain got control of the land and dug it up, like in Africa, looking for gold it could impede their foreign export trading and expanding America's personal ties with other Latin American countries. U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine, in response to the events in Venezuela, that was supposed to "prevent Britain from taking any furthur steps."
American plantation owner's and U.S. Marines toppled Hawaii's queen in 1893 because Hawaii was very valuable to the United States. It was very valuable because it was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean which would and did make a crucial stop for ships en route to East Asia. Also, the soil enriched from the volcanoes made it perfect for growing sugar, pineapple, and coffee. President Grover Cleveland's reaction to the topple of Hawaii's queen and the annexation of Hawaii was complete disagreement. He said that we should only take over a nation (or country or what evey it may be) that it be because they need help. Also, he said that if we come to help them when they need it than it makes the U.S. look good and they end up liking us which helps us take over them. I disagree with his quote because if a nation like the U.S. wants to take over and has the power sure go ahead and take over, but only if the state in return approves of it. Also, I think that any nation that is capable to run itself than we have no need to interfere or even forcibly take over.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?
One important change that transformed America in the nineteenth century was immigration. Immigration affected Americans by broadening the ethnic diversity in America, and they all leaned towards living in the cities in America (such as Boston and New York City) which made the cities crowded and harder to find jobs in the cities and there became problems in the cities such as crime and sanitation. Also, urbanization, from the influx of immigrants into the U.S., helped to transform America. It affected Americans by making it harder for them to find jobs, and some were afraid that the immigrants would take their jobs from them because they would accept lower wages. Agricultural began to fall from the U.S. which helped to transform it. More and more people took jobs that directly or indirectly worked with the land, and soon manufacturing took over agriculture as the leading source of the nation's wealth. As manufacturing took over the people relied more on the new inventions that occurred during this time. For example, when machines made it easier to make railroads and railroads were being built up like bunnies have baby bunnies farmers then relied on the railroads to transfer their goods to sell them. Also, the native-born Americans saw the immigrants as a threat to their success and progress in the U.S. become stalled because they thought that the new immigrants weren't capable of working industriously and weren't as smart as they should be (like the native-born Americans). Another transormation in the U.S. during the nineteenth century was the needed labor in the industries. The industries in America needed laborers in their factories and etcetera to make them profitable and get work done in them, and the affect of needed labores to the people was that it changed the American values, which they didn't want. Fourthly, international trade greatly transformed the U.S. It became significant in the U.S. economy because european nations and others wanted their goods and made the U.S. great profits. In turn it made Americans happier because it made them and the U.S. more successful and powerful. Also, advances in transportation and machine-assisted farming increased the amount of agricultural exports, which made American manufacturers compete in the international market. Soon big businesses gained political power and the small farmers began to dwindle in existance in politics. This greatly affected Americans; as big businesses got more power the middle-classes and lower-classes began to have no voice in politics because the big businesses (which mainly consisted of first-classes and part of middle-class) began to take over in politics.
3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
The economic depression that began in 1893 deepened the divisions in American society by making everybody worry about something. For example, the city dwellers worried about insercurity, the laborers worried about losing their jobs, the plantation owners worried about losing profits, and farmers became more poor because of the even more decrease of income. The groups that suffered the most during the depression were the city dwellers, laborers, and farmers. The city dwellers found it hard to find jobs, while the laborers were fighting to keep their job(s), and the farmers became more and more poor.
4. What were the values many Americans attached to the frontier? Why did many Americans fear that the closing of the frontier would harm America’s national character?
The values that many American attached to the frontier were resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism. Many American feared that the closing of the frontier would harm America's national character because they believed that it would put their values in jeopardy. When the American economy began to dwindle they became fearful that the nation would no longer progress; without the progress their values would slowly die and they definitely did not want that to happen because then there wouldn't be "civilization" in America. They would no longer be able to prosper and spread their 'civilness' to other nations, they wanted to have power and without any more expansion they couldn't have more power or attain their duty in civlizing others.
5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Some Americans suggested greater involvement overseas because they had fears of the United States' future, like the fear about the changing American character and the belief in American power. Most Americans feared that the nation's economic growth would stall and they didn't want that, they wanted to keep getting better and progressing.
6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
Expansionists said that the best way to ensure the economic success of the United States would be to put a more aggressive approach towards dealing with other nations. They believed that foreign (or overseas) expansion would continue to make the economic growth in the U.S., the foreign nations would be potentially great consumers in the American market and manufacturing businesses. Also, they saw European and Japanese nations were forcing on China rules that would set standards on the Chinese trade; so America became afraid of not being able to or ever accessing the Chinese market. Imperialists said that making an empire overseas would secure export markets, raw materials, and cheap labor; and that their stragedy was essential in making America's role in the world more prominant and known. Also, they believed that expanding overseas was part of their manifest destiny.
7. How did the theories of social Darwinism and scientific racism lend support to the cause of American imperialism? How were these pseudo-scientific theories used to justify racist policies and imperialism? Are they still used today?
The followers of Darwin took "survival of the fittest" to the extreme and called it social Darwinism. They took it that they could be and are the fittest thus if they took over other nations they would be superior while the others would "die off," which supported the cause of American imperialism by saying that they could rule and have a great empire easily by taking over foreign nations. Also, they believed that they (like the Anglo-saxons) were more fit to rule and have more power than the other 'lower' races. Also, scientists said that Germans and Europeans were the highest in intelligence and energy while Africa, the U.S., and everywhere else were the "lowest levels of humankind" which was known as scientific racism. The pseudo-scientific theories were used to justify racist policies and imperialism by convincing many people, including Americans, that it was their destiny to rule and that the 'lowers' shouldn't rule they weren't 'intelligent' enough. The pseudo-scientific theories are not completely used today against all races and ethnicities. For example, African-Americans and other immigrants like the Chines aren't seem as less intelligent anymore, but now that there's a war in Iraq the U.S. government and some people believe that the Iraqians and the others around there need help from us. Implying that they can't hold power by themselves, they need more 'intelligent' people like the U.S. to help them hold power or we'll just hold it for them.
8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
Many Protestant churches said that America's role in the world was to also expand overseas so they could "civilize" everyone besides the Anglo-Saxons. Also, some Protestant churches saw that it was God's plan for the human race to civilize each other. Then some said that after America's expansion in the entire world there would be peace everywhere. Another saying, some said that it was the nation's duty to civilize the other nations so that they could ensure civilization and so export markets could "spread properly."
9. Why did the United States become involved in several Latin American nations in the nineteenth century? Summarize why the United States became involved in Samoa, Hawaii, and other Latin American nations.
The United States became involved in several Latin Americna nations in the nineteenth century because they wanted to expand overseas, become more economic in the exporting market, and to "civilize" some nations. The United States became involved in Samoa because they were interested in the land for themselves like for ship refueling stations, farming, and expansion (more power). Then Germany and Britain tried to get land in Samoa which made America compete and then finally agree to share parts of the land; Britain adn Germany ended up getting some land in Samoa in a partition. The U.S. also became involved in Hawaii because of its' location in the Pacific Ocean and the volcanic rich soil that was great for sugar, pineapple, and coffee plantations. Also, the U.S. was afraid of Japanese control in Hawaii, they may not be able to access their naval base at Pearl Harbor. Also, the U.S. had interest in Venezuela because it had gold and was being 'bullied' by Britain; the U.S. then feared that if Britain took control of Venezuela and dug up the land it would interfere with U.S. foreign trade. The U.S. also got involved with Chile and the Brazilian revolution and Nicaragua because they didn't want their future plans of building a canal in Nicaragua to be canceled because of them.
10. Why was the United States concerned about British involvement in Venezuela? What concept did U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoke in response?
The United States was concerned about British involvement in Venezuaela because they didn't like the fact that Britain was supposidly "bullying" Venezuela, and if Britain got control of the land and dug it up, like in Africa, looking for gold it could impede their foreign export trading and expanding America's personal ties with other Latin American countries. U.S. Secretary of State Richard Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine, in response to the events in Venezuela, that was supposed to "prevent Britain from taking any furthur steps."
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