World War I Begins

1. What are the four main causes of World War I? Give an example for each as to why it was a cause.
Nationalism: There was much competition between the countries of the world to gain more land and have a bigger military than their neighbors. This constant battle to be on top led to high tensions and short tempers, especially around Europe, where the fear of invasion (especially by Germany) was a constant.

Imperialism: Many of the European countries were striving to colonize all over the world; colonies provided financial support and power. As Germany became more and more powerful, England and France began worrying about competing with it for colonies.

Militarism: During this time period, a sort of arms race launched in Europe. As each country tried to defend its empire, they began to stockpile men and weapons, trying to get more than their neighboring countries. Germany, although it had the strongest army at the time, was not seen as a threat by England until it started building up its navy; at that point, England became worried.

Alliances: Europe split into two alliances: The Allies (France, Britain, and Russia) and the Triple Allies (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy). The countries were so concerned with keeping power balanced and protecting their allies that it caused tensions to rise exponentially; what seemed a safe back up plan actually caused a blow up that resulted in all out war.

2. How did the June 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand become the spark for WWI?
Since Ferdinand's assassinator was Serbian, Austria-Hungray declared war on Serbia. This sparked a massive response from the two allied groups: Russia offered aid to Serbia, which led Germany to declare war on Russia, and then France; soon after, England declared war on Germany.

3. What happened within the first few months of fighting?
Within the first few months of fighting, the Schlieffen plan was put into action. German troops marched through neutral Belgium; Allied troops tried to stop them but could not. However, Allied troops flocked to Paris to defend it from German attack. Soon, vast arrays of trenches spread throughout the land around France - no one was moving anywhere.

4. Generally, why did the United States want to stay out of the war?
The war was so far away that it did not threaten any American property, or put American lives at risk.

5. Specifically, Why did the following groups of Americans tend to oppose U.S. participation in the war? Naturalized citizens; socialists; pacifists; parents.

Naturalized citizens opposed U.S. participation in the war because they still closely sympathized with their home countries; they could not condone fighting against their motherlands. Socialists were opposed to U.S. involvement in the war because they thought it was simply a struggle for capitalist markets in the Eastern world. Pacifists could not condone the US going to war because they thought war was inherently evil; parents were opposed because they did not want to send their children off to die in what they knew was a bloody war.

6. How did Germany respond to the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports? What was the U.S. response?

Germany responded to the British naval blockade of Germany's ports by sending U-Boats to form a counter blockade that would blow up any ship that entered Great Britain's waters, whether it was armed or not. The U.S. was shocked; Americans were being killed in these explosions. The US threatened to end all diplomatic communications with Germany if Germany did not revoke its policy.

7. What forced the United States into the war?

Germany ignored President Wilson's call for peace; in fact, they issued a statement saying that they would sink ALL boats in British waters without hesitation. Wilson, waiting for an open act of hostility, soon got it: the Zimmerman note, sent from Germany to a German ambassador in Mexico, proposed an alliance with Mexico and promised to help Mexico regain land in Texas if Germany's side won. After this, Germany sunk four American merchant ships. After this, the Russian government changed over to a representative government (it was formerly a monarchy), which gained much support from Americans.

America As A World Power

1. What role did President Roosevelt play in ending the Russo-Japanese War?
When Japan asked President Roosevelt to negotiate peace talks between it and Russia, Roosevelt heartily agreed. He gathered

delegates from the two nations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to discuss various possible outcomes. Roosevelt's charming manner

soon put everyone at ease, and a solution that pleased both sides was reached quickly, ending the conflict.
2. What events led to the building of the Panama Canal? What happened regarding Columbia? (Be specific)
In 1850, Britain and America agreed to share a canal through Central America, which would make travel to the Pacific much easier. In 1901, Britain signed a treaty that gave America exclusive rights to this hypothetical canal. Two possibles routes were discovered - one, a difficult but short route that went through Panama, had been attempted without success by the French years earlier. In 1903, France sold the rights to this route to the US. The US needed Colombian permission to build this canal, but Colombia would not agree; in order to fix this, the French dignitary who had sold the route to the US helped to organize a Panamian revolt against Colombia (Colombia controlled Panama at this time). The US made sure to have ships present when the Panamians gained independence; 15 days after their victory, Panama signed a treaty with the US that enabled the US to build the canal.
3. What did the Roosevelt Corollary state?
The Roosevelt Corollary stated that the US would use force in order to protect its economic interests in the Western Hemisphere.
4. How did Taft use Dollar Diplomacy to enforce the Roosevelt Colollary on Nicaragua? (Be specfic)
In 1911, a revolt in Nicaragua left the country bankrupt. President Taft issued legislature that allowed US bankers to give the country enough money to get back on its feet, in return for the bankers being able to collect duties from Nicaragua. The bankers also gained control of Nicaragua's railroad and banking systems. The Nicaraguan citizens were not pleased; they revolted; Taft sent in thousands of marines to shut down the rebellion, and left some of those troops there even after relative calm had been restored. This strategy of lending other countries money to extend American power became known as "dollar diplomacy".
5. Why did Woodrow Wilson invade Mexico?
Woodrow WIlson invaded Mexico because, after redefining the Monroe Doctrine to state that the US had a moral obligation to intervene when any government in a foreign nation was set up in a way that endangered American interests, he did not approve of the overthrowing of the Porfirio Díaz by Victoriano Huerto. He invaded the country in order to shut down this supposedly dangerous government.
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.

1) Expanded access to foreign markets in order to ensure the growth of the economy: Mediated with Russia and Japan, gained land in Panama.

2) Built a modern navy to protect its interests: Sending ships to Panama in order to gain access to the Canal zone.

3) Exercised its police power to exert dominance in Latin America: The Roosevelt Corollary, Taft's use of dollar diplomacy on Nicaragua, Wilson's invasion of Mexico.

Imperialism's Bitter Fruit

1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces?

The Filipinos had been told by the US that they would receive their freedom after Spain was removed. However, this was far from the case - racial prejudices and a thirst for economic gain kept the US in the Philippines long after the time when they should have left. The US troops had orders to enforce order in the Philippines, but to the Filipinos, the Americans were simply another group of unwanted leaders. They saw fighting back as necessary - another revolution for freedom.

b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
Rather than organized fighting against a set army, the battles that the American forces were fighting in the Philippines were against guerilla soldiers who blended into the countryside and did not listen to conventional "honorable" rules of warfare. Torture, random killings, and holding civilians captive were all techniques utilized by both sides. This war was bloody and brutal, unlike the more "civilized wars" that the US had become involved in in the past.

2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
One reason that many African-Americans criticized the war in the Philippines was the fact that racist white Americans often failed to differentiate between African-Americans and Filipinos - to these white, racist Americans, the blacks were just as barbaric and savage and uneducated as the Filipinos were, so what was the difference?

Also, although they served incredibly bravely in the army, they still faced huge amounts of discrimination. They were still excluded from certain restaurants and public facilities, just as they had been back in the US.
3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.

a. Things were going badly in the Philippines - soldiers were being killed and tortured by the thousands, and the US was not earning money off the islands as had been promised. Americans were beginning to see that imperialism did not always work out to plan.

b. Anti-imperialists grew very vocal during this time period, especially around the time of reelection. Mark Twain in particular was very influential. People were ready to listen to new ideas, and this was a side that was presented well.


4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
Especially in Cuba, American technology and administrative knowledge began to spread throughout the land. Yellow fever disappeared, sanitation improved, telephones were implemented - massive steps forward in the island's welfare were made. In Puerto Rico, the same developments were being made. On top of this, Cuban and Puerto Rican citizens were granted US citizenship, giving them many more options in the world.

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 US had the right to oversee the Cuban economy


b. The US could veto any foreign policy decisions made by Cuba


c. The US could build a naval base in the southern part of the island


d. The US could intervene in Cuba's affairs at any time

Was the United States justified in making these demands? Explain your reasoning.
The US was most certainly not justified in making these demands. What claim ddi America have over Cuba? Just because it was near America geographically does not grant America the right to use Cuba as it sees fit. The Platt Amendment was really a catch-22: without it, Cuba would not be granted official independence, but with it, Cuba was not really all that free anyways. The Platt Amendment was certainly manipulative, using something that the Cubans were desperate for (independence) in order to keep American interests alive and well in Cuba. It is hard to believe that America really had Cuba's best interests in mind here; it seems that all America was really focusing on was helping itself and spiting Europe.

6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not?

America was most certainly imperialist. All of its actions from the late 1800s to the early 1900s and even before can be classified as imperialist - seeking to further American power by using military or political force. America was ruthless when it came to getting new lands for itself, and often behaved rather like a bratty child. There was a great feeling of entitlement running rampant in America in this time; for this reason, America pushed its way into the world, striving for any land it could get its hands on in the hopes to snatch land before Europe could get to it. Although it claimed to have other nations best interests at heart, American often abused and broke promises to the nations it took over. Why? All in the name of power and business! America is a prime example of an imperialist nation: from Hawaii to Cuba, Guam to the Philippines, Puerto Rico to Asia, the US took whatever land it could possibly attain. Especially during this time period, the US was highly concerned with asserting itself as a world power, and furthering its reach in the world.

Spanish-American War

Questions for Part II—The Spanish-American War

1. What connections did the U.S. have to Cuba in the late 1800s? List at least two.
First and foremost, the US had vast amounts of money invested in Cuba's sugar industry. In fact. the US actually removed tariffs on Cuban sugar in order to lower the cost of sugar in America.

Also, during the Cuban revolt in 1868, many Cuban leaders had suggested joining the US after they gained their freedom. The US, although it refused to get involved this revolution, was open to the proposal, eager to gain another slave territory. Many Cubans saw joining the US as a move for security and protection at that time.

2. What were the Spanish “reconcentration camps”?
The Spanish reconcentration camps were created to cut off the nationalist forces from the general public. The Spanish thought that this would cut the rebels off from supplies and shelter. In order to do this, these camps were created. Thousands upon thousands of innocent Cuban citizens were herded into enclosed towns where a lack off food, adequate housing, and sanitation made living conditions horrible.


3. List three reasons why the United States went to war with Spain in Cuba.
a. Many US businessmen had interests in Cuba. Under Spanish rule, these interests were threatened. If the US went to war with Spain, they had the chance to gain Cuba and boost American profits there. They also had the chance to gain Spain's other territories. One reason the US went to war with Spain was to expand their control and gain more lucrative areas in the world for American use.

b. The Spanish ambassador to the US wrote a private letter to a friend insulting President McKinley. This letter was leaked to American newspapers, and tensions rose dramatically. Americans had been looking for an excuse to get angry at Spain, and this incident provided it. Combined with yellow journalism, the ambassador's insults were soon blown far out of proportion and anti-Spanish sentiments swelled throughout the country.

c. The final straw for the US was the explosion of the USS Maine. The ship had been anchored in Havana harbor on a peaceful errand; Spain had okayed the visit. When the ship was blown up, 260 American soldiers were killed in the blast. Although it could not be confirmed at the time, rumours quickly began flying. Americans became incensed, convinced that the Spanish had blown up a US ship for no good reason and killed hundreds of innocent men. The US felt that it could no longer wait - Spain had apparently taken one step too far and needed to be dealt with.


4. Which do you believe was the most important reason? Why?
Reason A was certainly the most important reason. It set a background for the other two reasons. If the US had not had an interest in Cuba in the first place, tension would never have been created between Spain and America. If American businessmen had never had interests in Cuba, the government never would have been pressured into protecting those interests above all others. If America had not been tempted to take over Spain's many other territories, there would have not been enough pros to push the US into war. Reason A set up a base argument for going to war - the other two reasons simply acted as catalysts.

5. What did the Teller Amendment say?
The Teller Amendment claimed that the US was not, in fact, interested in controlling the Cuban people or ruling them. It also stated that once the war was over, the Cuban government would be left intact and control of the island would be left to the Cuban people.

6. Why was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?
Although most were focused near Cuba, a portion of the Spanish troops were stationed in the Philippines. Also, though less so, the nationalists in the Philippines were seen as allies to the US. It was thought that defending them and supplying them with weapons would aid the US in its fight against Spain.

7. Dewey’s victory in the Manila Harbor sparked an outpouring of army volunteers in the United States.



8. Why did Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders want to fight in Cuba?
Like many other volunteers, The Rough Riders were encouraged to fight by Dewey's early victory at Manila. In a rush to defend their country and provide much needed man power, boys from Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and North and South Dakota poured in to join the Rough Riders. Teddy Roosevelt was especially passionate about their cause - he actually left his job in the McKinley legislation to take his position in the army.

9. a. Why were many African-Americans eager to serve in the Spanish-American War?
Many African-Americans saw the army as a way of moving up in the world. Not only was the army one of the few places that would take them, if they met military success, it would hopefully glean respect from the general public back home. Also, many blacks identified with the struggles of the Cuban slaves and were sympathetic to their cause.

b. What forms of discrimination and prejudice did they encounter?
First of all, they were unable to be promoted to the officer corps. At first, many blacks were actually denied when they volunteered to join the army. Many regiments were actually kept from fighting in Cuba, even though the government assumed that they would be more suited for a tropical climate and even that they would be immune to yellow fever.

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. In the negotiations with Spain, the Cuban rebels and the Cuban people in general were largely ignored. The US assumed that the apparently stupid savages were unable to create good diplomatic policies - how could such unintelligent people possibly govern themselves, they thought?

b. Although the US had claimed that they were fighting for Filipino freedom, after the war, control was not relinquished to the Filipinos as promised. The US decided to remain in the Philippines until "things could be worked out" - it was very clear to the Filipinos that "things" would not be worked out for a very long time.