AP US History Research Topics ­ American Imperialism
Since the establishment of the United States in 1776, the nation has struggled to find a balance
between the extremes of isolationism and interventionism. Periods of extreme domestic turmoil (such as
the Civil War) have led to extended periods of isolationism while many other factors have pushed us
towards interventionism. Our participation in World Wars and other major military conflicts are only the
most obvious examples of interventionism. Other examples would be our attempts to have pro­American
governments established or maintained in foreign countries, efforts to create trade conditions favorable
to the U.S., and the acquisition of foreign territories. Following the Venezuela Crisis of 1902­1903,
President Roosevelt announced that the US would now serve as the “policeman” of the Caribbean Sea
region. This policy will come to be known as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. It asserts
America’s authority to intervene in the Caribbean in furtherance of American interests. This period of
American Imperialism occurs during a broader period of imperialism in which European powers had
colonized much of Africa and East Asia.
Economic Reasons for Interventionism / Imperialism
1. Access to foreign markets
2. Access to foreign sources of natural resources and raw materials
Military Reasons for Interventionism / Imperialism
1. Establishment of foreign military bases
2. Increased sources of manpower
3. Establishment of “buffer zones” between us and our enemies
Moral Arguments in favor of Interventionism / Imperialism
1. The “White Man’s Burden”
2. Responsibility to end human suffering
Your job is to research one of the topics related to American Imperialism between 1865 and
1917. What was the situation before the US intervened? WHY did the US intervene (see list above)?
What were the positive and negative results of US intervention (long term and short term)? In your
opinion, should the US have intervened?
Research Topics
Other Interventions
1867 ­ Purchase of Alaska
1898 ­ War with Spain
1898 ­ Annexation of Hawaii
1899 ­ Annexation of the Philippines
1899 ­ Open Door Policy and the Boxer Rebellion
1903 ­ Establishment of Panama and the Panama Canal
1916 ­ Pancho Villa Expedition
1917 ­ WWI
Venezuela 1895
Guantanamo Bay 1903
Nicaragua 1909
Dominican Republic 1916