Imperialism/Spanish American War Quiz Study Guide
1. Define imperialism.
A period of time when strong countries take over weak countries.
2. List and explain 4 motives for imperialism.
1. Economic Factors – Countries need natural resources and new foreign markets to sell
goods.
2. Nationalism – Belief that one’s nation is superior to other nations.
3. Social Factors – Believed it was their duty to spread “western civilization” (law and
religion).
4. Military Factors – New military technology made Europe and USA stronger than others.
Countries needed military bases in various regions of the world.
3. Describe one reason for and one reason against imperialism.
Reason For Imperialism
- Sell goods overseas (new foreign
markets)
- National pride and the belief in Manifest
Destiny
- Natural Resources
- Military Bases
Reasons Against Imperialism
- Against American values
- Could cause revolutions abroad
4. What is yellow journalism?
Journalists that published exaggerated stories of events.
5. What country wanted independence from Spain?
Cuba
6. Who was the president during the Spanish American War?
William McKinley
7. What were the 4 cause of the Spanish American War?
USS Maine Explodes
Protect American business in Cuba
America supports Cuba’s independence from Spain
Yellow Journalism
8. What were the 3 outcomes of the Spanish American war?
Cuba gains its independence
United States emerges as a world power
Territories (US territories) – Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines
9. Be sure you can identify the following on a map: USA, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Guam, and
Spain. Use the map on the back to help you.