FITZ CERTIFICATION PAPER 2026 FULL
SOLUTION GRADED A+
● How did the U.S. gain the Panama Canal Zone and why is it a good
example of 'Big Stick' Diplomacy? Answer: The U.S. supported
Panama's independence from Colombia and secured control of the canal
zone. It's 'Big Stick' Diplomacy because the U.S. used military power as
leverage to achieve foreign policy goals.
● What was America's opinion on imperialism? Answer: Americans
were divided—some supported it for economic and strategic reasons,
while others opposed it, arguing it violated democratic ideals.
● Where did the U.S. gain territory around 1900? Answer: Hawaii,
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal Zone.
● What is 'yellow journalism'? Answer: Sensationalized, exaggerated
news reporting used to attract readers and influence public opinion.
● What are the causes of the Spanish-American War? Answer: The
sinking of the USS Maine, U.S. support for Cuban independence, and
influence of yellow journalism.
SOLUTION GRADED A+
● How did the U.S. gain the Panama Canal Zone and why is it a good
example of 'Big Stick' Diplomacy? Answer: The U.S. supported
Panama's independence from Colombia and secured control of the canal
zone. It's 'Big Stick' Diplomacy because the U.S. used military power as
leverage to achieve foreign policy goals.
● What was America's opinion on imperialism? Answer: Americans
were divided—some supported it for economic and strategic reasons,
while others opposed it, arguing it violated democratic ideals.
● Where did the U.S. gain territory around 1900? Answer: Hawaii,
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal Zone.
● What is 'yellow journalism'? Answer: Sensationalized, exaggerated
news reporting used to attract readers and influence public opinion.
● What are the causes of the Spanish-American War? Answer: The
sinking of the USS Maine, U.S. support for Cuban independence, and
influence of yellow journalism.
