American Imperialism Graphic Organizer.docx - Economic competition ... - Free Printable

Let’s go step by step to fill out this American Imperialism worksheet. We’ll break it down section by section using simple facts and clear explanations.

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1. MOTIVATING FACTORS (Why did the U.S. want to expand?)

The U.S. wanted to grow its power for several reasons:

- Economic: Wanted new markets to sell goods and get raw materials.
- Military: Needed naval bases around the world to protect trade and project power.
- Ideological: Believed in “Manifest Destiny” — that Americans were meant to spread democracy and civilization.
- Social/Cultural: Some thought non-white peoples needed “civilizing” (this was racist thinking at the time).

→ So, under “Motivating Factors,” write:
> Economic gain, military strength, belief in spreading democracy, cultural superiority

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2. SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR (1898)

This war started because of tensions with Spain over Cuba. The U.S. helped Cuba fight for independence from Spain. After winning, the U.S. gained control of several territories.

Key events:
- USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor → blamed on Spain → led to war.
- U.S. defeated Spain quickly.
- Treaty of Paris (1898) gave U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Cuba became independent but under U.S. influence.

→ Under “Spanish-American War 1898”:
> Fought over Cuba; U.S. won; gained Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines; Cuba became protectorate

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3. CAUSES (of Spanish-American War)

List what caused the war:

- Explosion of USS Maine (blamed on Spain)
- Yellow journalism (newspapers exaggerated stories to stir up anger against Spain)
- Support for Cuban rebels fighting Spain
- Desire for overseas expansion

→ Write:
> USS Maine explosion, yellow journalism, support for Cuban independence, desire for empire

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4. EFFECTS (of Spanish-American War)

What happened after the war?

- U.S. became a global power
- Gained colonies (Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines)
- Started building more navy bases
- Led to Philippine-American War (Filipinos didn’t want to be ruled by U.S.)
- Showed U.S. could win wars far from home

→ Write:
> U.S. became imperial power, gained territories, sparked Philippine rebellion, increased military presence abroad

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5. CHINA TRADE

The U.S. wanted to trade with China but other countries had already carved out “spheres of influence.” Secretary of State John Hay proposed the Open Door Policy.

Open Door Policy = All nations should have equal trading rights in China. No one country controls all of China.

→ Write:
> Open Door Policy – asked for equal trading rights in China so no single nation dominated

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6. PANAMA CANAL

Built to connect Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Made shipping faster and easier for U.S. Navy and merchants.

U.S. supported Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903, then built the canal through Panama.

Completed in 1914.

→ Write:
> Built to link oceans; U.S. backed Panama’s independence; completed 1914; boosted trade and navy mobility

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7. LATIN AMERICA

U.S. used diplomacy and force to influence Latin America.

Examples:
- Roosevelt Corollary: Said U.S. could intervene in Latin America if European powers tried to collect debts.
- Dollar Diplomacy: Used money/investment to gain influence.
- Gunboat Diplomacy: Sent ships or troops to enforce U.S. interests.

→ Write:
> Roosevelt Corollary, Dollar Diplomacy, Gunboat Diplomacy – used to control politics and economy in region

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8. PRESIDENTIAL DIPLOMACY

Three presidents shaped foreign policy during this era:

Roosevelt (Big Stick Diplomacy):
“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Meant negotiate peacefully but back it up with military power.
Example: Built Panama Canal, sent Great White Fleet around world.

Taft (Dollar Diplomacy):
Used business investments to gain influence instead of troops.
Example: Encouraged banks to lend money to Latin America and Asia.

Wilson (Moral Diplomacy):
Wanted to promote democracy and human rights.
Example: Refused to recognize dictatorships, intervened in Mexico to support democratic leaders.

→ Fill each box:

Roosevelt:
> Big Stick Diplomacy – use military threat to back negotiations
> Example: Panama Canal, Great White Fleet

Taft:
> Dollar Diplomacy – use money/investments to gain influence
> Example: Loans to Latin America/Asia to create dependency

Wilson:
> Moral Diplomacy – promote democracy and ethics
> Example: Intervened in Mexico to support elected leader vs. dictator

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Now let’s put it all together neatly.

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Final Answer:

Motivating Factors:
Economic gain, military strength, belief in spreading democracy, cultural superiority

Spanish-American War 1898:
Fought over Cuba; U.S. won; gained Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines; Cuba became protectorate

Causes:
USS Maine explosion, yellow journalism, support for Cuban independence, desire for empire

Effects:
U.S. became imperial power, gained territories, sparked Philippine rebellion, increased military presence abroad

China Trade:
Open Door Policy – asked for equal trading rights in China so no single nation dominated

Panama Canal:
Built to link oceans; U.S. backed Panama’s independence; completed 1914; boosted trade and navy mobility

Latin America:
Roosevelt Corollary, Dollar Diplomacy, Gunboat Diplomacy – used to control politics and economy in region

Presidential Diplomacy:

*Roosevelt:*
Big Stick Diplomacy – use military threat to back negotiations
Example: Panama Canal, Great White Fleet

*Taft:*
Dollar Diplomacy – use money/investments to gain influence
Example: Loans to Latin America/Asia to create dependency

*Wilson:*
Moral Diplomacy – promote democracy and ethics
Example: Intervened in Mexico to support elected leader vs. dictator