1. What was Wilson's 14th Point?
Wilson's plan for world peace. The first five points of his speech to promote world peace was:
-there should be no secret treaties among nations
-freedom of the seas should be maintained for all
-tariffs and other economic barriers among nations should be lowered or abolished in order to foster free trade
-arms should be reduced "to the lowest point consistent with domestic safety, thus lessening the possibility of military responses." during diplomatic crises.
-colonial policies should consider the interests of the colonials peoples as well as the interests of the imperialist powers.
The next eight points dealt with boundary changes. Groups that claimed distinctive ethnic identities were to form their own nation-states or decided for themselves as to what nation they belong to. The fourteenth point called for the creation of an international organization to address diplomatic crises like those that have sparked the war.
2. What terms of the treaty specifically affected Germany?
The treated barred Germany from maintaining an army. It also required Germany to return the region of Alsace-Lorraine to France and to pay reparations or war damages to the allies costing them 33 billion dollars.
3. What were the weaknesses of the treaty?
The weaknesses of the treaty were that it didn't provide a lasting peace in Europe since the treatment of Germany was not so great. The treaty humiliated Germany, it contained a war-guilt clause forcing Germany to admit sole responsibility for the War. Germany was stripped of its colonial possessions in the Pacific. Germany also did not have the money to pay back the reparations.
4. Why did Henry Cabot Lodge object to the treaty?
Henry Cabot Lodge objected to the treaty because he believed that the League threatened the U.S. foreign policy of isolationism. He was also very suspicious of the provision for joint economic and military action against aggression. He like many others wanted the constitutional right of Congress to declare war included in the treaty.
5. How did Wilson help bring about the Senate's rejection of the treaty?
Wilson set out on an 8000 mile tour. He delivered 34 speeches in about 3 weeks arguing that the United States should join the League of Nations.
6. What circumstances at this time would eventually lead many Germans to support Adolf Hitler?
After the treaty of Versailles Germany was humiliated, and many Europeans still longed to fight. Adolf Hitler in his writing showed a lot of desire vengeance against America for making Germany take the blame for World War 1. This of course caught the attention of many Germans and lead them to support him.
7. Who is George Clemenceau?
The French premier that had lived through two German invasions in France and was determined to prevent further invasions.
8. Who is David Lloyd George?
British prime minister who was known for his slogan "Make Germany Pay!" He wanted control of Austrian-held territory.
9. Describe the participation of Russia at the peace conference.
Russia was excluded from the peace conference so they weren't able to express their opinions about the treaty. This hurt them because they lost a lot of land which made them vengeful also.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
WWI - The War at Home
1. War Industries Board
-Commanded companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and they made the companies produce less waste by standardizing products. They overall increased industry production by 20%
2. Railroad Administration
-Controlled the railroads in the United States
3. Fuel Administration
-Took control on how much gasoline coal and oil was being supplied. Also they introduced day-light savings time influencing enough people to have "gasless sundays" and "lightness nights" to conserve energy
4. National War Labor Board
-Made to stop riots. It improved working conditions, lessened the work day to e8 hours, made it so work places were inspected, and helped stop child labor.
5. Food Administration
-Helped produce and conserve food. Because there was a lack of foods. Restaurants would remove the bowls of sugar they had and served bread only after the meal. Many people also began growing their own gardens. Hoover placed high prices on wheat and other likable foods which in return made farmers buy more land an overall improved their income by 30%.
6. Committee on Public Information
- Brought patriotism, and influence alot of people, by using propaganda, about the positive aspects of war.
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts
-Put fines against anyone who boycotted against the war effort or tried to impede it. Also the act put people in jail for horrific actions against non native-born Americans.
George Creel is a significant historical figure because he used propaganda to his advantage very successfully. He told people to make brochures, posters, paintings and much more that all contributed to influencing the people tremendously.
Bernard M. Baruch is also a significant historical figure because he helped make the War Industries Board successful by conserving resources. He showed people that they must conserve oil, gasoline, and other forms of energy.
-Commanded companies to use mass-production techniques to increase efficiency and they made the companies produce less waste by standardizing products. They overall increased industry production by 20%
2. Railroad Administration
-Controlled the railroads in the United States
3. Fuel Administration
-Took control on how much gasoline coal and oil was being supplied. Also they introduced day-light savings time influencing enough people to have "gasless sundays" and "lightness nights" to conserve energy
4. National War Labor Board
-Made to stop riots. It improved working conditions, lessened the work day to e8 hours, made it so work places were inspected, and helped stop child labor.
5. Food Administration
-Helped produce and conserve food. Because there was a lack of foods. Restaurants would remove the bowls of sugar they had and served bread only after the meal. Many people also began growing their own gardens. Hoover placed high prices on wheat and other likable foods which in return made farmers buy more land an overall improved their income by 30%.
6. Committee on Public Information
- Brought patriotism, and influence alot of people, by using propaganda, about the positive aspects of war.
7. Espionage and Sedition Acts
-Put fines against anyone who boycotted against the war effort or tried to impede it. Also the act put people in jail for horrific actions against non native-born Americans.
George Creel is a significant historical figure because he used propaganda to his advantage very successfully. He told people to make brochures, posters, paintings and much more that all contributed to influencing the people tremendously.
Bernard M. Baruch is also a significant historical figure because he helped make the War Industries Board successful by conserving resources. He showed people that they must conserve oil, gasoline, and other forms of energy.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The U.S. enters World War I
1. How did the United States raise an army?
The United States raised an army by passing the Selective Service Act. This act called for men to register with the government in order to be randomly selected for military service. 24 million were registered, about 3 million called for the war.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers helped with the war by convincing Britian to create the convoy system. In which a heavy guard of destroyers escorted merchant ships back and forth across the Atlantic in groups. This also made it possible to lay a 230 mile barrier of mines across the North sea from Scotland to Norway. The convoy system was a huge success.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated costs of the war was $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The war cost the total death count around 22 million,
more than half were civilians. 20 million wounded, 10 million becoming refugees. 48 thousand men in battle were lost, 62 thousand men dying of disease, and more than 200 thousand were left wounded.
5. Define armistice.
A truce where two sides come to the agreement to stop fighting.
The United States raised an army by passing the Selective Service Act. This act called for men to register with the government in order to be randomly selected for military service. 24 million were registered, about 3 million called for the war.
2. How did U.S. soldiers help win the war?
U.S. soldiers helped with the war by convincing Britian to create the convoy system. In which a heavy guard of destroyers escorted merchant ships back and forth across the Atlantic in groups. This also made it possible to lay a 230 mile barrier of mines across the North sea from Scotland to Norway. The convoy system was a huge success.
3. What were the estimated economic costs of the war?
The estimated costs of the war was $338 billion.
4. What did the war cost in terms of the number of civilian deaths; military deaths?; injuries?; and refugees?
The war cost the total death count around 22 million,
more than half were civilians. 20 million wounded, 10 million becoming refugees. 48 thousand men in battle were lost, 62 thousand men dying of disease, and more than 200 thousand were left wounded.
5. Define armistice.
A truce where two sides come to the agreement to stop fighting.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
World War I Begins
1. Militarism: (Germany had built a strong army which intrigued other countries to follow in their footsteps)
System of Alliances: (countries were joining together, which angered other countries after another which sparked a war fever)
Imperialism: (the desire for land overseas between all different countries, for example powerful nations, like Germany and
France wanted to control and take other colonies for manufactured goods )
Nationalism: (numerous countries and ethnic groups thought their country was superior for example the Slavs in Serbia)
2. The June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand became the spark for WWI because Austria-Hungry then declared war on Serbia since that was their heir. Germany then declared war against Russia, then france invaded Belgium so Britian declared was on them also. It overall created a huge outrage between all countries and one thing let to another.
3. Within the first few months of fighting a plan was formed called the Schlieffen Plan. This plan called for a holding action against Russia, combined with a quick drive through Belgium to Paris. After France had fallen the two German armies would have defeat Russia. However as Germany invaded Belgium the civilians were absolutely terrified which created a crisis. This led to the trench warfare with the result of numerous casualties and a lot of dead bodies.
4. The United States wanted to stay out of the war because they didn't see the point in traveling far for a war that would do them no benefit. They did not want their young men to be exposed to the horrific scenes of warfare. And also the public opinion was completely divided.
5. Naturalized citizens: had already left the countries that were in the war.
Socialists: criticized the war as a capitalist and imperialist struggle between Germany and England to control markets and colonies in China, Africa, and the Middle East.
Pacifists: believed that war was evil and that the U.S. should set an example of peace to the world.
Parents: didn't want their boys to be exposed to the horrific scenes of the war, and of course drafted and killed.
6. Germany responded to the British naval blockade of Germany's posts by stating that any British or Allied boat found in the waters around Britian would be suck. The people of the U.S. were outraged and quickly turned against Germany and the central powers.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
The United States was forced into war because the British intercepted the Zimmermann Note from the Germans going to Mexico. This note said said that if a war broke out against the U.S., they would support Mexico. Germany also had sank four unarmed, merchant, U.S. ships that claimed 36 United States lives.
System of Alliances: (countries were joining together, which angered other countries after another which sparked a war fever)
Imperialism: (the desire for land overseas between all different countries, for example powerful nations, like Germany and
France wanted to control and take other colonies for manufactured goods )
Nationalism: (numerous countries and ethnic groups thought their country was superior for example the Slavs in Serbia)
2. The June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand became the spark for WWI because Austria-Hungry then declared war on Serbia since that was their heir. Germany then declared war against Russia, then france invaded Belgium so Britian declared was on them also. It overall created a huge outrage between all countries and one thing let to another.
3. Within the first few months of fighting a plan was formed called the Schlieffen Plan. This plan called for a holding action against Russia, combined with a quick drive through Belgium to Paris. After France had fallen the two German armies would have defeat Russia. However as Germany invaded Belgium the civilians were absolutely terrified which created a crisis. This led to the trench warfare with the result of numerous casualties and a lot of dead bodies.
4. The United States wanted to stay out of the war because they didn't see the point in traveling far for a war that would do them no benefit. They did not want their young men to be exposed to the horrific scenes of warfare. And also the public opinion was completely divided.
5. Naturalized citizens: had already left the countries that were in the war.
Socialists: criticized the war as a capitalist and imperialist struggle between Germany and England to control markets and colonies in China, Africa, and the Middle East.
Pacifists: believed that war was evil and that the U.S. should set an example of peace to the world.
Parents: didn't want their boys to be exposed to the horrific scenes of the war, and of course drafted and killed.
6. Germany responded to the British naval blockade of Germany's posts by stating that any British or Allied boat found in the waters around Britian would be suck. The people of the U.S. were outraged and quickly turned against Germany and the central powers.
7. What forced the United States into the war?
The United States was forced into war because the British intercepted the Zimmermann Note from the Germans going to Mexico. This note said said that if a war broke out against the U.S., they would support Mexico. Germany also had sank four unarmed, merchant, U.S. ships that claimed 36 United States lives.
Monday, November 16, 2009
America as a World Power
1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
President Roosevelt was looked as the "peace maker" in the ending of the Russo-Japanese War. Japan secretly met with President Roosevelt and asked him to meditate peace negotiations which is what he exactly did. He was able to persuade Japan to except half the island and forgo the cash payment when primarily they wanted Sakhalin Island as a whole. Roosevelt was able to leave both the Russians and Japanese happy, and his efforts won him the Noble- Peace Prize in 1906.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many Americans felt the need of a canal to reduce travel time for commercial and military ships by providing a shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. America before building the canal, needed to chose a route for building it. Between the two possible routes Panama (a province of Columbia) was best. But America before they could begin working on the Canal had to get permission from Columbia first.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
It stated that the United States would now use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
When a 1911 rebellion in Nicaragua left the nation in near bankruptcy President William H. Taft, arranged for American bankers to loan Nicaragua enough money to pay its debts. In return the bankers were given the right to recover their money by collecting Nicaragua's customs duties. This policy was known as the Dollar Diplomacy, and this is how Taft used it to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson claimed that the United States had a moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests. Immediately the Mexican Revolution put his policy to the test. In 1911 Mexican peasants and workers led by Francisco Madero overthrew Diaz (their military dictator) After 2 years General Huerta took over. Wilson referred to the government that Huerta formed as "a government of butchers." In 1914 April, when one of Huerta's officers arrested a small group of America sailors, the Mexicans quickly released them and apologized. But Wilson used this incident as an excuse to intervene Mexico. At least 200 Mexicans died during the invasion.
6. What were three major foriegn policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
-Expanded its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. (ex. Panama Canal)
-The U.S. built a modern navy to protect its interest abroad.
-The U.S. exercised its international power to ensure dominance in Latin America. (ex. Roosevelt Colollary)
President Roosevelt was looked as the "peace maker" in the ending of the Russo-Japanese War. Japan secretly met with President Roosevelt and asked him to meditate peace negotiations which is what he exactly did. He was able to persuade Japan to except half the island and forgo the cash payment when primarily they wanted Sakhalin Island as a whole. Roosevelt was able to leave both the Russians and Japanese happy, and his efforts won him the Noble- Peace Prize in 1906.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
Many Americans felt the need of a canal to reduce travel time for commercial and military ships by providing a shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. America before building the canal, needed to chose a route for building it. Between the two possible routes Panama (a province of Columbia) was best. But America before they could begin working on the Canal had to get permission from Columbia first.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
It stated that the United States would now use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
When a 1911 rebellion in Nicaragua left the nation in near bankruptcy President William H. Taft, arranged for American bankers to loan Nicaragua enough money to pay its debts. In return the bankers were given the right to recover their money by collecting Nicaragua's customs duties. This policy was known as the Dollar Diplomacy, and this is how Taft used it to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua.
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow Wilson claimed that the United States had a moral responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin American government it viewed as oppressive, undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests. Immediately the Mexican Revolution put his policy to the test. In 1911 Mexican peasants and workers led by Francisco Madero overthrew Diaz (their military dictator) After 2 years General Huerta took over. Wilson referred to the government that Huerta formed as "a government of butchers." In 1914 April, when one of Huerta's officers arrested a small group of America sailors, the Mexicans quickly released them and apologized. But Wilson used this incident as an excuse to intervene Mexico. At least 200 Mexicans died during the invasion.
6. What were three major foriegn policy goals achieved by the United States in the early 20th century. Be sure to provide an example or two of each.
-Expanded its access to foreign markets in order to ensure the continued growth of the domestic economy. (ex. Panama Canal)
-The U.S. built a modern navy to protect its interest abroad.
-The U.S. exercised its international power to ensure dominance in Latin America. (ex. Roosevelt Colollary)
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Imperialism's Bitter Fruit
1. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?
a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, fighting started to break out between the American and Filipino forces because tension between the U.S. and Filipino forces was building. The Filipino's had believed that they would be granted independence after the departure of Spanish. But the U.S. troops had orders to establish control over the islands. There also was a shooting accident between an American soldier and a Filipino, where the American soldier shot and killed the Filipino. Later after this incident fighting had spread around the area Manila. The Filipino's believed that they were fighting for their independence.
How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
b. This was a different kind of warfare for American forces because unlike any other conflict that the U.S. had been in, there was no confronting an organized army, U.S. soldiers had faced a quick-striking guerrilla movement. Both the U.S. and Filipinos tortured their prisoners and killed them in many gruesome different ways.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African-Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because they were discriminated against there just as they were at home. They were also extremely offended by the racist attitudes that typified the military's view of the Filipinos. Officers had enlisted Filipino's as "niggers". The African Americans also were prohibited from restaurants, barber shops, and other facilities marked, "white only."
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. The numerous amounts of legal questions about the status of the Philippines before The United States could annex these islands.
b. The realization of the difficulties of occupation. People, even Theodore Roosevelt, realized they weren't prepared to accept the burdens of the empire.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
The positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba were that by dominating Puerto Rico they used this land as a territory. Also in Cuba, roads and telegraph lines were built, finances reorganized, schools opened, sanitation improved, and yellow fever stamped out.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. The U.S. had the right to oversee the Cuban economy
b. The U.S. had the right to exercise veto power over Cuban policy
c. The U.S. could intervene whenever necessary "for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty."
d. The United States was also allowed to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island at Guantanamo Bay.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
I don't really think that the United States was justified in making these demands. The United States took advantage of Cuba, and definitely did not need all of these benefits. I think that they got a little cocky and weren't focusing on the necessities of making their economy, and country overall better. The United States should have focused more on foreign trade, and also the people of these places that they swore they would care for.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
I do believed that the United States was imperialist. They had taken control of Guam, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Philippines, and also taking over Hawaii. Though the push for imperialism slowly died out, America did attempt at imperialism, and still got control of these countries that benefited them and made their economy stronger.
a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, fighting started to break out between the American and Filipino forces because tension between the U.S. and Filipino forces was building. The Filipino's had believed that they would be granted independence after the departure of Spanish. But the U.S. troops had orders to establish control over the islands. There also was a shooting accident between an American soldier and a Filipino, where the American soldier shot and killed the Filipino. Later after this incident fighting had spread around the area Manila. The Filipino's believed that they were fighting for their independence.
How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
b. This was a different kind of warfare for American forces because unlike any other conflict that the U.S. had been in, there was no confronting an organized army, U.S. soldiers had faced a quick-striking guerrilla movement. Both the U.S. and Filipinos tortured their prisoners and killed them in many gruesome different ways.
2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African-Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because they were discriminated against there just as they were at home. They were also extremely offended by the racist attitudes that typified the military's view of the Filipinos. Officers had enlisted Filipino's as "niggers". The African Americans also were prohibited from restaurants, barber shops, and other facilities marked, "white only."
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a. The numerous amounts of legal questions about the status of the Philippines before The United States could annex these islands.
b. The realization of the difficulties of occupation. People, even Theodore Roosevelt, realized they weren't prepared to accept the burdens of the empire.
4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
The positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba were that by dominating Puerto Rico they used this land as a territory. Also in Cuba, roads and telegraph lines were built, finances reorganized, schools opened, sanitation improved, and yellow fever stamped out.
5. After the Spanish-American War, the United States insisted that Cuba only receive independence after agreeing to several limitations set forth in the Platt Amendment. Four restrictions on Cuban independence set forth in the Platt Amendment were:
a. The U.S. had the right to oversee the Cuban economy
b. The U.S. had the right to exercise veto power over Cuban policy
c. The U.S. could intervene whenever necessary "for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty."
d. The United States was also allowed to build a naval base on the southeastern tip of the island at Guantanamo Bay.
Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
I don't really think that the United States was justified in making these demands. The United States took advantage of Cuba, and definitely did not need all of these benefits. I think that they got a little cocky and weren't focusing on the necessities of making their economy, and country overall better. The United States should have focused more on foreign trade, and also the people of these places that they swore they would care for.
6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?
I do believed that the United States was imperialist. They had taken control of Guam, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Philippines, and also taking over Hawaii. Though the push for imperialism slowly died out, America did attempt at imperialism, and still got control of these countries that benefited them and made their economy stronger.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Spanish-American War
1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
In the late 1800's the United States, Americans invested $50 million dollars in Cuba, most of it invested in the islands sugar industry. Also the Cuban American trade had reached about 100$ million.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
Spanish reconcentration camps held thousands of Cubans in towns being policed by Spanish troops. These reconcentration camps lacked food, sanitation, and housing. Over 300,000 Cubans died from starvation and the spreading of disease.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Yellow journalism causing American citizens to pity the Cubans.
b. The de Lôme Letter greatly insulted president McKinely
c. The U.S.S Marine explosion gave the U.S. an excuse to start a war against Spain
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I think the explosion of the U.S.S Marine was the most important because that was the overall reason, or excuse, for the Americans to call a war against Spain, blaming Spaniards for the explosion.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The teller amendment said that the United States had no interest in asserting, sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control, over Cuba, and promised to leave the government and control of the island to its people, once peace was restored.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American war was fought in the Philippines because the United States saw the Philippines as a useful benefit to the United Sates, providing ports in the Pacific ocean that they wanted.
7. Dewey’s victory in the Philippines sparked an outpouring of volunteers in the United States.
Dewey's triumph caused great pride in the American citizens, and many volunteered to fight in Cuba, including the Rough Riders.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders wanted to fight in Cuba because Dewey's victory had created pride in the American citizens causing them to volunteer themselves to fight.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African Americans were eager to serve in the Spanish- American War because they aw this as an opportunity to elevate the status of blacks in the United States. They hoped that their participation in the war would win the African- American community some new respect.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
The African Americans encountered many forms of discrimination in the Spanish- American war. For example, they were denied promotion into the officer corps. Also black volunteers were not given a chance to fight in Cuba, and were discriminated against at the U.S. bases.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
a.The Americans didn't once consider that the African Americans or Asians who lived in Cuba, could be a force for progress. Very few Americans believed that the inhabitants of these islands were capable of developing stable democracies.
b. The United States ignored the Cuban rebels. Many Americans believed that the rebels, including blacks, needed guidance in managing all their affairs. As a result of this belief, American businesses went back to Cuba taking over their land, railroads, and dominating basically their entire economy.
In the late 1800's the United States, Americans invested $50 million dollars in Cuba, most of it invested in the islands sugar industry. Also the Cuban American trade had reached about 100$ million.
2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
Spanish reconcentration camps held thousands of Cubans in towns being policed by Spanish troops. These reconcentration camps lacked food, sanitation, and housing. Over 300,000 Cubans died from starvation and the spreading of disease.
3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Yellow journalism causing American citizens to pity the Cubans.
b. The de Lôme Letter greatly insulted president McKinely
c. The U.S.S Marine explosion gave the U.S. an excuse to start a war against Spain
4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
I think the explosion of the U.S.S Marine was the most important because that was the overall reason, or excuse, for the Americans to call a war against Spain, blaming Spaniards for the explosion.
5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The teller amendment said that the United States had no interest in asserting, sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control, over Cuba, and promised to leave the government and control of the island to its people, once peace was restored.
6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
A portion of the Spanish-American war was fought in the Philippines because the United States saw the Philippines as a useful benefit to the United Sates, providing ports in the Pacific ocean that they wanted.
7. Dewey’s victory in the Philippines sparked an outpouring of volunteers in the United States.
Dewey's triumph caused great pride in the American citizens, and many volunteered to fight in Cuba, including the Rough Riders.
8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders wanted to fight in Cuba because Dewey's victory had created pride in the American citizens causing them to volunteer themselves to fight.
9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African Americans were eager to serve in the Spanish- American War because they aw this as an opportunity to elevate the status of blacks in the United States. They hoped that their participation in the war would win the African- American community some new respect.
b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
The African Americans encountered many forms of discrimination in the Spanish- American war. For example, they were denied promotion into the officer corps. Also black volunteers were not given a chance to fight in Cuba, and were discriminated against at the U.S. bases.
10. How did racism influence American perceptions of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines? Give two examples of events where racism affected U.S. policy after the war.
a.The Americans didn't once consider that the African Americans or Asians who lived in Cuba, could be a force for progress. Very few Americans believed that the inhabitants of these islands were capable of developing stable democracies.
b. The United States ignored the Cuban rebels. Many Americans believed that the rebels, including blacks, needed guidance in managing all their affairs. As a result of this belief, American businesses went back to Cuba taking over their land, railroads, and dominating basically their entire economy.
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