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?

In 1893, much of Hawaii's land was dominated by U.S. sugar plantation owners. American interest was great in Hawaii because it is right in the middle of the ocean and an excellent trading advantage point, not to mention the land was rich because of all the volcanic activities. I do agree with President Grover; we should have never of taken Hawaii, and did it purely for selfish U.S. benefit. Hawaii was in no danger and had a thriving lifestyle under Queen Liliuo' Kalani.


2. Identify five important changes that transformed American in the nineteenth century. How did these five changes affect Americans?

a) The take over of Hawaii - it helped America because it allowed many more cash crops and a good middle point stopping area for traders and American business owners.
b) Immigration - when immigrants flooded into the U.S., this made urban growth expand rapidly. Also, not many farms were needed, only big industries.
c) Trade - the new immigrants helped make products to trade to other countries, which gave America a great amount of more money.
d) religion - instead of everyone being a Christianity, there were now many different types of religion.
e) big factories - The big factories promoted many jobs to the oncoming immigrants, no matter if the conditions were poor.

3. How did the economic depression that began in 1893 deepen the divisions in American society? Which groups suffered the most during the depression?

This depression made many anti-immigrant feelings. This made a huge division between American and immigrants.

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?

For some, if not most, Americans, the frontier was the symbol of resourcefulness, bravery, pragmatism, ingenuity, individualism, egalitarianism and patriotism. It was the start of economic growth, and if the frontier was taken away, many Americans would feel that America just wouldn't be the same anymore.

5. Why did some Americans suggest greater involvement overseas?

The businessmen wanted more involvement overseas because it would fuel economic growth (trading)

6. What policy did expansionists say would ensure the economic success of the United States? What did imperialists say?

The Imperialists said that expanding the U.S. would help businessmen, and that made them on their side.

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 were used so people would think its right, or that it's their godgiven right, when really imperialism is just cruel.



8. What did many Protestant churches say was America’s role in the world?
The Protestant churches agreed with social Darwinism.


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.
It was good refueling and trading spots, as they were in the middle of the pacific ocean.
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?
Because Guiana had large deposits of gold. Olney invoked the Monroe Doctrine.