Imperialism: The origins of global power

Questions for Introduction and Part I - 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 owners and U.S. marines had favored bringing the islands under American control. Hawaii was a critical stopping point in the Pacific ocean for ships and was rich in sugar plantations.
2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?

1. Immigration- broadened america's ethnic diversity
2. Urban Growth- agriculture no longer held all the power, big citites led to problems like overcrowding.
3. Trade- Americans began to compete successfully with European counter parts.
4. 1893 depression- shook American optimism and and led workers to realize how vulnerable they were.
5. Westward Expansion-led Americans to bleieve in Manifest destiny, spread American influence across the world.

3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?
City dwellers worried about losing jobs while business owners worried about losing profits. For the nation's farmers things got very bad because they were already in a slump. Farmers were suffering the most.

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?resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism, and patriotism were attached to the frontier.

5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?
Without land to conquer and inhabit, old white americans were concerned of losing the values attached to the frontier.

6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?
Policy expansionists said expansion overseas (chinese markets) would fuel economic growth. Imperialsists said that it helped the US gain greater political power.

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?
They supported claims that some races (white ) were superior to others. If the Americans felt superior to others, it would be easy for tem to conquer them. The influence of these theories is not as significant today, however they probably do play a role in some political thinking.

8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
To essentially take over the world and occupy all lands and for anglo-saxons to become the dominat race. They believed tat God had specially blessed the americans.

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.
Hawaii-were afraid of the Japenese gaining power on the islands
Samoa-agedd to treaty that gave them access to the tiny pacific islands
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?
They thought the Biritsh were "bullying" venezuela. The country held large amounts of gold. They did not want other european countries taking over latin america.