US History II
Unit: American Imperialism
Enduring Understandings:
1. Ethnocentrism and nationalism can result in reckless, and sometimes
violent, treatment of other people, cultures, and nations.
2. Industrialization requires overseas markets and resources to
continue growing, and protection of international markets often
requires military assistance from the government.
Essential Questions:
1. Should governments use economic and military force to advance their
cultural and business interests abroad?
US History II—Imperialism Unit Questions
Use text pp. 526-528
1. What is imperialism? Explain how and where Europeans and Japan had engaged in imperialism in the 1800s.
What is the main cause of imperialism?
2. The driving force behind American imperialism came down to 3 key factors: A. the thirst for new markets; B.
desire for military strength; C. belief in Anglo-Saxon superiority (including the idea of “White Man’s Burden”).
Explain each of these.
3. Define nationalism and jingoism. Give an example. Define ethnocentrism. How are the ideas of nationalism
and ethnocentrism connected to imperialism?
4. How is American Imperialism closely related to American Industrialization? How is the European experience
similar?
5. Explain the important goals and ideas put forth by Admiral Alfred Mahan in The Influence of Sea Power Upon
History (1890).
Hawaii… Use text pp. 528-529
6. What were some of America’s business interests in Hawaii? What were some of America’s military interests
in Hawaii? Did the US come to control Hawaii? When? Explain.
7. How did America’s imperialist experience in Hawaii reflect the recommendations of Admiral Mahan? Which
enduring understanding(s) were exemplified? Explain.
Cuba and the Spanish-American War… Use text pp. 530-534
8. What business interests did America have in Cuba? What military interests did America have in the
Caribbean? When rebellion broke out in Cuba, why was public opinion in the US split? Who was Valeriano
Weyler, and what did he do that outraged the American public?
9. Who were Hearst and Pulitzer? What was yellow journalism and what did it have to do with starting a war
with Spain? Explain, “Remember the Maine!”.
10. Briefly explain what happened in the war against the Philippines and Cuba. (Be sure to mention Admiral
Dewey’s role.)
11. What were the important terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898? Use technology to determine if the places
mentioned in the Treaty of Paris of 1898 still have an American military presence today. Explain. What about
Hawaii? Explain. What does military presence have to do with the industrialization of America?
12. What industry seemed to be at the heart of American involvement in both Hawaii and Cuba? How did
America’s experience in the Spanish-American War reflect the recommendations of Admiral Mahan? Which
enduring understanding(s) were exemplified? Explain.
Teddy Roosevelt and Imperialism… Use text pp. 542-545
13. When was Teddy Roosevelt president? What was “Big Stick” diplomacy? What was the Great White Fleet?
14. By the time Roosevelt was president, which of Admiral Mahan’s recommendations had already been
fulfilled? Which was the last goal, which Roosevelt set out to accomplish?
15. Describe some examples of US intervention/imperialism since 1990 or right now. Were any business
interests involved? Explain.