The Spanish-American War - Causes
The United States went to war with Spain in
1898. The war was fought over the future of
Cuba, which was controlled by Spain at that time.
There were several causes of the war: (1)
American businessmen wanted to protect their
interests in Cuba. (2) Some Americans supported
the Cuban people in their fight for independence
from Spain. (3) There was a movement by some
Americans, including President McKinley, for the
United States to acquire its own empire.
The Spanish-American War - Results
After a quick, and complete, victory over the
Spanish, the United States took control of three
new territories: Puerto Rico in the Caribbean,
and Guam and the Philippines in the Pacific. The
U.S. was now a world power.
The Roosevelt Corollary
After becoming president Theodore Roosevelt
made a major change to American foreign policy.
The Monroe Doctrine had stated that European
countries must stay out of the Western
Hemisphere. The U.S. would not allow them to
colonize in North and South America.
Roosevelt’s Corollary (addition) to the Monroe
Doctrine stated that the U.S. has the right to
intervene in the countries of Central and South
America if they do not conduct themselves
appropriately.
Open Door Policy
America’s ever growing factories needed sources
for raw materials and markets to sell their
products. Many countries were trying to sell
their products in China. At the turn of the century
China was too weak to prevent foreign countries
from establishing bases, or spheres of influence,
in China. The United State was concerned that
there would be no room left for it to establish a
sphere of influence. The U.S. suggested that China
adopt an “Open Door Policy” which would allow
all countries access to China’s markets.
Hawaii
In 1893, American businessmen in Hawaii helped
overthrow the Hawaiian queen and made Hawaii
a territory of the United States. The U.S
government knew about this coup d’état and
quietly supported it. Hawaii became the most
important naval base for the United States’
growing Pacific Fleet.
Name:
Date:
Period:
American Imperialism
Directions: Using the placard stations around the room, answer the following questions concerning
American imperialism and expansion.
Open Door Policy
1. Why were American businessmen interested in China?
2. In your own words, what was the Open Door Policy?
3. Why do you think it was the United States that suggested this policy?
4. What is the point of the political cartoon shown on this placard?
5. What do you think the opinions of the Europeans are toward the policy?
6. What do the Chinese think about it?
Hawaii
1. Was the takeover of Hawaii a business or government plan? Explain.
2. Why was Hawaii so important for the United States and its new empire?
3. In the cartoon, who do you think is pushing Uncle Sam into this Hawaiian marriage?
4. Why is Uncles Sam considered a “reluctant” groom?
Roosevelt Corollary
1. What did the Monroe Doctrine declare?
2. How did Roosevelt change the Monroe Doctrine?
3. Is the image of Roosevelt as the world’s policeman s shown as a positive or a negative? What
evidence supports your view?
4. Who might be upset wit the idea behind the Roosevelt Corollary?
The Spanish American War – Causes
1. What were the three reasons the United States entered into war with Spain?
2. In your opinion, what was the best reason for going to war?
3. Why might many Americans identify (and support) the idea of Cuban independence?
The Spanish American War – Results
1. Where were most of the territories the U.S. acquired in the war found?
2. Why were they important to the U.S?