Imperialism: Debates - AP U.S. History

The Roosevelt Corollary. 1904 policy claimed U.S. authority to intervene in Western Hemisphere to prevent European involvement.

Increased trade opportunities. Imperialists claimed colonies would expand markets for American manufactured goods.

It demonstrated U.S. naval power globally. 1907-1909 naval tour showcased American military strength to the world.

The Platt Amendment. 1901 amendment to Cuban constitution allowed U.S. intervention and naval bases.

The spread of Christianity. Missionaries argued imperial expansion would facilitate conversion of non-Christian peoples.

European powers competing for African territories. Late 19th-century rush to colonize Africa before rivals could claim territories.

The Treaty of Portsmouth. Roosevelt mediated the 1905 agreement, demonstrating American diplomatic influence in Asia.

An anti-foreign uprising in China, suppressed by imperial powers. International forces, including Americans, crushed Chinese resistance to foreign influence.

Imperialism is the policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Extension involves direct control over territories or indirect influence through economic and political means.

Access to raw materials and new markets. Colonies provided cheap resources and served as markets for manufactured goods.

Social Darwinism. Applied Darwin's evolutionary theory to justify racial hierarchy and imperial dominance.

Mark Twain. Led the Anti-Imperialist League and criticized U.S. expansion as hypocritical.

To oppose the annexation of territories and imperialist policies. Founded in 1898 to resist American territorial expansion after the Spanish-American War.

The belief in the civilizing mission to spread Western values. Claimed moral duty to bring Western civilization and democracy to 'backward' peoples.

The Spanish-American War in 1898. Victory over Spain made the U.S. a colonial power with overseas territories.

Puerto Rico. Acquired along with Guam and the Philippines as spoils of Spanish defeat.

It ended the Spanish-American War and ceded territories like the Philippines to the U.S. Established the U.S. as a colonial power with control over former Spanish territories.

Theodore Roosevelt. 'Speak softly and carry a big stick' emphasized diplomatic negotiation backed by military strength.

Imperialism contradicts democratic principles and self-determination. Argued that ruling others without consent violated American founding principles.

The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. Secured American rights to build and operate the Panama Canal.

The spread of Western education and language. Colonial powers imposed their languages and educational systems on native populations.

Steam-powered ships. Faster transportation enabled rapid deployment of troops and supplies to distant territories.

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. Declared American right to intervene in Latin America to maintain regional stability.

The Monroe Doctrine. 1823 declaration warned European powers against further colonization in the Americas.

Moral and constitutional objections to ruling over others without consent. Argued that governing people without their consent violated democratic and constitutional principles.

Yellow journalism exaggerated events to rally public support. Sensationalized reporting, especially about Spanish atrocities, inflamed public opinion for war.

The construction of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt's support for Panamanian independence secured canal construction rights.

It drained resources and increased military expenses. Anti-imperialists argued colonial administration was expensive and economically wasteful.

The demand for rubber and oil. Industrial nations sought control over regions rich in strategic raw materials.