Monday, November 16, 2009

America as a World Power

1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
When the Japanese started the war, they began winning battles and attacks against the Russians. Soon however, Japan started to run out of men and money to fight with. They didn't want Russia to figure this out, so Japanese officials went to Roosevelt in secret to ask for his help in negotiating peace to stop the war. Roosevelt agreed quickly and soon had the two parties together peacefully discussing peace.


2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
The Panama canal was needed because if created, it would greatly reduce travel time for U.S and other foreign countries ships (importing and exporting.) This would create a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean. When the U.S. asked Columbia (which ruled Panama at the time) if they could make the canal, they didn't approve. Which let to a revolt, that tried to get free from Colombian rule.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the United States has claimed the right to protect it economic interests by means of military intervention in the affairs of Western Hemisphere nations. This was added to the Monroe Doctrine in 1904.

4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specific)
He gave the bank power to reclaim it's loans that they gave to Nicaragua, and now the bank controlled the railroads (Nicaragua's railroads) and its national bank. The Roosevelt Colollary agreed with this perfectly because it was "protecting it's economic interests."

5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Wilson invaded because much of the U.S.'s oil, mines, railroad, and ranches were in Mexico. When the Mexican government was overthrown, Wilson refused to recognize this new government and waited for the right moment to attack. Wilson didn't want to recognize a government that had come to power as a result of violence.

6. What were three major foreign policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
Panama Canal - the U.S. had the right to build and use the canal that would make trading much easier.
Roosevelt Colollory - the U.S. now had the power to attack and foreign country if they thought that they were in harm economically.
Dollar Diplomacy - this allowed the U.S. to use the nations economy to gain power.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Imperialism's Bitter Fruit

1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
A gun was fired, and either side claimed it was the other side, and the Filipinos weren't being granted independence as soon as they thought.

b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
Many, many Americans died, it was very brutal. They punished innocent civilians frequently.

2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Soldiers were faced with the same discrimination as they were in the war.

3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.


a. It was under consideration that the Filipinos should be granted independence.

b. When the did, the Americans lost all interest of acquiring more land.


4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
Gave American territory and naval bases.



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. Americans could see over Cuban economy.


b. Excersize veto power over Cuban foriegn policy.


c. Intervene when "life, liberty, property, and indivudual liberty" were at risk.


d. Permission to build a naval base.

Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.


6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?