Major Themes
- A new foreign policy: imperialism instead of isolationism
- Conflicting beliefs: the imperialist debate
- What is the role of the executive in determining foreign policy?
Major Questions
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Has America always been an expansionist nation?
- No, for quite some time, America was not an imperialistic nation, but an isolationist country. America wanted to European nations to stay out of their affairs, in return the US stayed out of their affairs.
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What are the roots of imperialism?
- Imperialism is often started by a need or want for more natural resources. A new colony can also be a greta source of income as well. Some nations feel that it is their duty to help others as well (White Man's Burden).
- What questions does the Philippines War raise about America’s new overseas involvement?
- What role does Asian immigration and the fear of the “yellow peril” play in shaping America’s relations with East Asia in the early 20th century?
Pre-Reading
- Restate the aims and goals of the Monroe Doctrine.
It forbid European powers from interfering in the affairs of Latin American countries. This was done to protect the American interests in the Western Hemisphere.
Chapter Questions
Pages 646-651
- What does the “white man’s burden” refer to?
The white mans burden refers to the idea that American culture and customs were superior to those of less fortunate and poorer countries so the felt that it was their duty to help those people. They thought that taking over these people and "americanizing" them was the proper thing to do. It also has to do with social darwinism and the idea that the best and strongest countries will prosper and it was their duty to help the less fortunate. This was also caused by American exceptionalism.
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Why was the Philippine-American War such a brutal affair and why is it not as well remembered as the less costly Spanish-American War?
- The Philippine-American War was so brutal due to the barbarous methods of guerrilla warfare. America also outgunned the Filipinos as well. Forcing water down peoples throats until they provided info was known as "water cure." it is not remembered as highly due to the American investment of millions of dollars in the Philippines.
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Describe McKinley’s “benevolent assimilation.”
- Millions of American dollars were poured into improving the infrastructure of the Philippines. Economic stimulation was provided through the trade of sugar. Americans also provided education and made English a second language.
- Why did it take so long for the US to grant the Philippines its independence (July 4, 1946)?
- What role do American missionaries play in shaping US foreign policy in Asia?
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Briefly describe the “Open Door” and comment on the reaction of various European nations.
- The Americans saw that Europeans were interested in China after its defeat against Japan. Americans were afraid that the Europeans would monopolize the trade through China. This would hurt the American trade greatly. The Open Door policy said that all spheres of influence would obey the Chinese trading rights. Britain, Germany, France, and Japan all accepted this policy.
==Pages 652-661
- Read the highlighted quotes from Senators Beveridge and Hoar (p. 653). What is the essence of their arguments for and against imperialism?
The arguement for imperialism basically says that the Philippines are ours and that we should not abandon them or the markets in China. And it also says that we can not renounce our mission of civilizing the world.
The argument against it says that even though we are a republic if we deprive any other nation their rights then we become just as bad as they are.
- Why did the US want to see a canal built across Central America?
The US wanted to see a canal built across Central America for a few different reasons. It would inrease the strength of the navy by increasing its mobility, allowing ships to go from one coast to the other without having to go all the way down around the tip of South America. It also would make defense of acquisitions, such as Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, much easier. It would make trade easier as well.
- How was the Monroe Doctrine modified by the Roosevelt Corollary? What were the consequences of its application in Latin America?
The Monroe Doctrine orignally stated that European powers were not to interven in Latin American affairs but the Roosevelt Corollary went one step further by saying that Amercia would intervene to prevent them from intervening. Latin Americans cursed the Monroe Doctrine mistakingly as a result of the Corollary and thought that instead of providing a shield the Monroe Doctrine just hid the fact the the Americans were trying to take over.
- Explain “preventive intervention” and how it conflicts with or supports American principles.
- Compare TR’s role in both the Russo-Japanese War and the Panamanian Revolution.
- What message did the parade of the Great White Fleet in the Pacific send? Was it effective?
