HISTORY A2 - MAKING OF A
SUPERPOWER 1890-1990 EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Manifest Destiny - ANSWER-A belief by many white Americans that God had chosen
them to populate the lands, giving them permission to populate the entire North
American continent and spread Christian and republican values.
Imperialism - ANSWER-Policy of extending a country's power through colonisation
by military force or by gaining indirect control over the political or economy of other
areas.
Motives for imperialism - ANSWER-Some historians argue that the USA never
actually sought an empire at all and that it was an 'accidental empire'.
Some believe it was motivated by a desire to improve the lives of non-Americans.
This was linked to the missionary work undertaken by Americans.
Others say it was an economic motive with the Depression of 1893 stimulating a
desire to see new markets.
Some say it was the end of Westward expansion that meant America could turn its
focus to foreign adventures.
There is also the idea that countries take colonies in order to prevent others from
doing so. The USA wanted to copy the example of European powers such as Britain.
The USA took advantage of its predominant position in Latin America as well as the
Monroe Doctrine to expand.
The Monroe Doctrine - ANSWER-President Monroe - 1823
Established the scope of US interests abroad.
It indicted a disinterest by America in foreign affairs.
The Spanish American War - ANSWER-*Turning point in American foreign policy -
changed to a more active foreign and imperial policy.*
Causes:
Monroe Doctrine - Cuba was in US sphere of influence.
Letter from Spanish Minister - Accused the President of being 'a weak bidder for the
admiration of the crowd'.
, The Maine Incident - Feb 1898, US battleship exploded in Havana, US blamed
Spain.
Yellow Press - Aggressive, patriotic press campaign that inflamed public opinion.
Economic motives - protect US in Cuba and distract from US depression.
President pledge to protect US interests - Interest in Cuban sugar to must maintain
stability.
Independent Cuba - Fears the US wouldn't be able to control it if it were
independent.
Results:
Aug 1898 The Treaty of Paris signed (peace settlement).
Cuban independence recognised by US.
US gains Guantanamo Bay.
Spain loses Puerto Rico & Guam to US.
US purchases Philippines from Spain.
US interests in Latin America - ANSWER-*After the Spanish American war, US
interest and direct involvement in Latin America increased.*
The Roosevelt Corollary -
1904
Sanctioned US armed intervention in Latin America when necessary to prevent
financial/ political collapse.
Used by Roosevelt and his successors to justify more military involvement in Latin
America.
Established the US a police force in the Americas.
Panama Canal - ANSWER-1881
French company began to build a canal in Panama but ran into financial difficulties.
US company, the NPCC, encouraged by Roosevelt took over the building of the
canal.
Columbia demanded money from the US government and NPCC - Roosevelt
refused to pay.
1903
Panamanians stage revolt for independence from Columbia, supported by US who
sent support.
Panama achieved independence and US accept offer for the land needed to build
the canal.
1914
Canal completed
SUPERPOWER 1890-1990 EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
Manifest Destiny - ANSWER-A belief by many white Americans that God had chosen
them to populate the lands, giving them permission to populate the entire North
American continent and spread Christian and republican values.
Imperialism - ANSWER-Policy of extending a country's power through colonisation
by military force or by gaining indirect control over the political or economy of other
areas.
Motives for imperialism - ANSWER-Some historians argue that the USA never
actually sought an empire at all and that it was an 'accidental empire'.
Some believe it was motivated by a desire to improve the lives of non-Americans.
This was linked to the missionary work undertaken by Americans.
Others say it was an economic motive with the Depression of 1893 stimulating a
desire to see new markets.
Some say it was the end of Westward expansion that meant America could turn its
focus to foreign adventures.
There is also the idea that countries take colonies in order to prevent others from
doing so. The USA wanted to copy the example of European powers such as Britain.
The USA took advantage of its predominant position in Latin America as well as the
Monroe Doctrine to expand.
The Monroe Doctrine - ANSWER-President Monroe - 1823
Established the scope of US interests abroad.
It indicted a disinterest by America in foreign affairs.
The Spanish American War - ANSWER-*Turning point in American foreign policy -
changed to a more active foreign and imperial policy.*
Causes:
Monroe Doctrine - Cuba was in US sphere of influence.
Letter from Spanish Minister - Accused the President of being 'a weak bidder for the
admiration of the crowd'.
, The Maine Incident - Feb 1898, US battleship exploded in Havana, US blamed
Spain.
Yellow Press - Aggressive, patriotic press campaign that inflamed public opinion.
Economic motives - protect US in Cuba and distract from US depression.
President pledge to protect US interests - Interest in Cuban sugar to must maintain
stability.
Independent Cuba - Fears the US wouldn't be able to control it if it were
independent.
Results:
Aug 1898 The Treaty of Paris signed (peace settlement).
Cuban independence recognised by US.
US gains Guantanamo Bay.
Spain loses Puerto Rico & Guam to US.
US purchases Philippines from Spain.
US interests in Latin America - ANSWER-*After the Spanish American war, US
interest and direct involvement in Latin America increased.*
The Roosevelt Corollary -
1904
Sanctioned US armed intervention in Latin America when necessary to prevent
financial/ political collapse.
Used by Roosevelt and his successors to justify more military involvement in Latin
America.
Established the US a police force in the Americas.
Panama Canal - ANSWER-1881
French company began to build a canal in Panama but ran into financial difficulties.
US company, the NPCC, encouraged by Roosevelt took over the building of the
canal.
Columbia demanded money from the US government and NPCC - Roosevelt
refused to pay.
1903
Panamanians stage revolt for independence from Columbia, supported by US who
sent support.
Panama achieved independence and US accept offer for the land needed to build
the canal.
1914
Canal completed
