Chapter 21: An Emerging World Power, 1877-1914
This quiz is a review of US expansion; the conflicts in Hawaii, Cuba, and the Philippines; other foreign policy; and the views of Cleveland, McKinley, and Roosevelt.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
After the Civil War, Americans felt greatly involved in world affairs.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
After the Civil War, the U.S. entered a period of diplomatic inactivity, not because of country weakness, but because of lack of crucial national involvement in world affairs. Americans were absorbed with building their industrial economy, and lived with a sense of isolation and security. European affairs didn’t concern the United States. Because of this, world affairs didn’t matter to the Americans.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Americans were attracted to Hawaii because of
- A.
The excess of cheap land.
- B.
The profitable sugarcane.
- C.
It's wealth of natural resources.
Correct Answer
B. The profitable sugarcane.Explanation
Americans were attracted to Hawaii because of the profitable sugarcane. This is because sugarcane was a highly profitable crop, and Hawaii's climate and fertile soil were ideal for its cultivation. The sugar industry in Hawaii boomed in the late 19th century, attracting American entrepreneurs and investors who sought to capitalize on the lucrative business opportunities. The profitability of sugarcane played a significant role in drawing Americans to Hawaii, as they saw the potential for wealth and economic prosperity in the sugarcane industry.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why did sugar planters plot an American takeover of Hawaii?
- A.
To secure military protection from America.
- B.
They didn't.
- C.
The McKinley tariffs placed taxes on foreign goods, like the Hawaiian sugar.
- D.
To escape the oppressive Hawaiian monarchy.
Correct Answer
C. The McKinley tariffs placed taxes on foreign goods, like the Hawaiian sugar.Explanation
When the McKinley tariffs placed high taxes on foreign goods, such as the Hawaiian sugar, the sugar planters plotted an American takeover of Hawaii so that the sugar would be considered a domestic product. In 1893, the planters organized a revolt and negotiated a treaty of annexation with the Harrison administration. However, before the treaty could be approved, the Cleveland administration rose to power and withdrew the treaty. The Cleveland administration took a strong stance against acquiring territory far from America.Rate this question:
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- 4.
America had a cohesive foreign policy.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
American foreign policy was not a cohesive one; rather, it was a series of incidents.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following was NOT a cause of American expansion?
- A.
The need to achieve a favorable import-export balance.
- B.
Americans associated stability with the sale of surplus goods.
- C.
Americans needed foreign markets to provide raw materials for industry.
Correct Answer
C. Americans needed foreign markets to provide raw materials for industry.Explanation
Expansion was necessary to provide foreign markets. Foreign markets were important because the U.S. had a large outflow of money due to its dependence on foreign capital, and now had to achieve a favorable import-export balance. Foreign markets were also important because many Americans associated national social stability with control of foreign markets. (At the time, people thought that the nation was producing more than it could consume, and thought it was important to sell the surplus goods. Selling the surplus goods would mean finding foreign markets.)Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following was NOT involved in trade with America?
- A.
India
- B.
Latin America
- C.
Canada
- D.
China
Correct Answer
A. IndiaExplanation
Most of American exports during the late 1800s went to Europe and Canada. The U.S. also traded with Asia and Latin America, a trade that was quickly growing. The importance of these latter markets was their potential value. For example, many Americans thought that China, though it was small at the time, would eventually become the key to American financial success.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The _______ _______ _______ (three words) threatened America's social stability.
Correct Answer
Panic of 1893
panic of 1893
Panic Of 1893Explanation
The Panic of 1893 refers to a severe economic depression that occurred in the United States. This event caused widespread financial panic, bank failures, and high unemployment rates. The panic threatened America's social stability as it led to significant social unrest, poverty, and inequality. The economic downturn had a profound impact on various sectors of society, including businesses, farmers, and workers, leading to social and political tensions.Rate this question:
- 8.
The Influence of Seapower upon History was written by
- A.
William Randolph Hearst
- B.
William H. Seward
- C.
Alfred T. Mahan
Correct Answer
C. Alfred T. MahanExplanation
William H. Seward was Secretary of State (before 1881). William Randolph Hearst was the owner of the New York Journal.Rate this question:
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- 9.
According to The Influence of Seapower upon History, America would need all of the following EXCEPT WHAT to control the seas?
- A.
A strong executive branch.
- B.
A merchant marine force.
- C.
A powerful navy.
- D.
Overseas bases.
Correct Answer
A. A strong executive branch.Explanation
The correct answer is A strong executive branch. According to The Influence of Seapower upon History, America would need a merchant marine force, a powerful navy, and overseas bases to control the seas. However, a strong executive branch is not mentioned as a requirement for sea control in the book.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The US was involved in a border dispute in which country?
- A.
Cuba
- B.
Venezuela
- C.
China
Correct Answer
B. VenezuelaExplanation
The United States demanded that an ongoing border dispute between Venezuela and British Guinea be solved. The U.S. feared for their interests in Latin America, and Secretary of State Olney made that clear. Using the Monroe Doctrine as a basis, Olney warned the British that the U.S. wouldn’t accept a challenge to its interests in the Caribbean.
The British backed off and agreed to settle the boundary disputeRate this question:
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- 11.
Which of the following was NOT used to justify expansionism?
- A.
Individualism
- B.
Anglo-Saxonism
- C.
Social Darwinism
Correct Answer
A. IndividualismExplanation
Social Darwinism stated that because “survival of the fittest” applied to nations as well as plants and animals, the U.S. had to expand if it wanted to survive. Anglo-Saxonism stated the Anglo-Saxon race was superior to all others, and it was America’s destiny and duty to expand and civilize all of the inferior races. This expansion would benefit mankind.
Individualism was irrelevant, stating that with self-sacrifice, determination, and hard work, any man, no matter how humble his beginnings, could rise up and become great.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the following was NOT an effect of the sensational articles in the New York Journal?
- A.
Sympathy toward the Cubans’ desire for freedom
- B.
Humanitarian concern toward the suffering Cubans
- C.
Jingoism
- D.
Decreased desire for Cuban trade
Correct Answer
D. Decreased desire for Cuban tradeExplanation
American trade and property in Cuba was seen by President Cleveland as crucial, particularly the American sugar plantations.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following were immediate causes of the Spanish-American War? I. Dupuy de Lome letter II. Zimmerman telegram III. Sinking of the Maine
- A.
I only
- B.
I and II
- C.
II and III
- D.
I and III
- E.
I, II, and III
Correct Answer
D. I and IIIExplanation
A private letter sent by Dupuy de Lome, the Spanish minister to the United States, called McKinley weak and suggested that Spain wasn’t taking American demands seriously. The letter damaged relationships between Spain and America.
A week later, the U.S. battle cruiser Maine blew up and sank in Havana harbor. This generated lots of anger against the Spanish, who were blamed for the explosion, and this anger popularized war. McKinley didn’t want to avenge the Maine, but he couldn’t ignore the public opinion. McKinley gave Spain what was effectively an ultimatum: negotiate peace and Cuban independence, or go to war with the United States. Spain didn’t want to give up Cuba.
The Zimmerman telegram was a cause of America's entry into WWI, and is in this case irrelevant.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The decisive engagement of the Spanish-American War took place in
- A.
The Philippines.
- B.
Cuba.
- C.
Spain.
Correct Answer
A. The pHilippines.Explanation
The decisive engagement of the war took place in the Philippines. Commodore George Dewey was instructed by Roosevelt to sail against the Spanish fleet in the Philippines if war broke out. The American ships cornered and destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. After this victory, part of the American army was sent to the Philippines. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, fell on August 13, 1898.Rate this question:
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- 15.
When Spain and America signed an armistice ending the Spanish-American War, Spain agreed to I. Free Cuba II. Cede Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S. III. Cede Guantanamo Bay to the U.S.
- A.
I only
- B.
I and II
- C.
II only
- D.
II and III
- E.
I, II, and III
Correct Answer
B. I and II -
- 16.
Antiexpansionism quickly became a popular movement in the United States.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Antiexpansionists included Carnegie; Samuel Gompers, who feared competition from cheap Filipino labor; and Progressive Jane Addams, who thought that women should stand up for peace; and the Mugwumps. However, antiexpansionism never became popular.Rate this question:
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- 17.
After the Spanish-American War, McKinley decided not to give the Filipinos independence, instead concluding that they were unfit for self-rule.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
McKinley thought that the Filipinos would "soon have anarchy" worse than the Spanish rule.Rate this question:
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- 18.
When fighting in the Philippines, Americans used tactics like those the Spanish used against the Cubans.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In the fighting, America used the same tactics against the Filipinos that Spain had used against the Cubans: concentrating people in towns, attacking people, and burning crops and villages.
Americans hadn’t expected that they would need to be so brutal to subdue the Filipinos.Rate this question:
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- 19.
“Speak softly and carry a big stick" meant
- A.
To renounce direct American involvement in Latin America.
- B.
To demonstrate America's strength through naval power.
- C.
To engage in discussion with other countries, in addition to maintaining a strong military.
Correct Answer
B. To demonstrate America's strength through naval power.Explanation
Roosevelt wanted to make sure that other nations understood that America could back up their lines of policy with actions. He said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” He meant to show America’s muscle through naval power.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Colombian legislature ratified a proposed treaty letting the United States lease a strip of land across Panama to build a canal.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Roosevelt wanted to lease a strip of land across Panama to build the canal. However, the Colombian legislature (Panama was a Colombian province) voted against the proposed treaty. Roosevelt then planned to lend covert assistance to Panama in leading a revolution against Colombia. Two weeks later, the United States recognized Panama and got a perpetually renewable lease on a canal zone.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The Platt Amendment gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuba if Cuban independence was threatened or if internal order collapsed.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
As a provision for gaining independence, Cuba accepted the Platt Amendment, which gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuba if Cuban independence was threatened or if internal order collapsed.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The Teller Amendment stated that the U.S. could take possesion of Cuba at any time.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When Congress authorized intervention in Cuba (starting the Spanish-American War), it included an amendment saying that the U.S. wouldn’t take possession of Cuba. This amendment was the Teller Amendment.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Emilio Aguinaldo led the independence movement in the Philippines.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Emilio Aguinaldo is widely recognized as the leader of the independence movement in the Philippines. He played a crucial role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule and later declared the country's independence on June 12, 1898. Aguinaldo served as the first President of the Philippines and led the fight against both Spanish and American forces during the Philippine-American War. His leadership and efforts were instrumental in the Philippines' quest for independence, making the statement "True" accurate.Rate this question:
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- 24.
In the Gentlemen's Agreement, the U.S. promised not to restrict Japanese immigration into the country, and Japan would allow no further emigration.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The goal of the agreement was to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Japan.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Pancho Villa was a Mexican revolutionary general.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Pancho Villa was indeed a Mexican revolutionary general. He played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution, which took place from 1910 to 1920. Villa was known for his military tactics and leadership skills, leading a successful army against the government forces. He fought for land reform, redistribution of wealth, and the rights of the poor and working class. Villa's actions and influence during the revolution made him a prominent figure in Mexican history. Therefore, the statement "Pancho Villa was a Mexican revolutionary general" is true.Rate this question:
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Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 03, 2011Quiz Created by
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