Essay Questions Will Appear On The Test You W

Essay Questionsessay Questions Will Appear On The Test You Will Have

ESSAY QUESTIONS: essay questions will appear on the test; you will have to answer one of them. Essays should be well-organized, with an introduction, specific historical evidence to support your arguments, and a conclusion. Be sure to define your terms - do not assume that the reader knows what you are writing about. Also, anticipate possible objections to your argument.

1. Was the "new imperialism" really new, or was it merely a continuation of American expansion? Discuss in detail the causes and consequences of imperial expansion of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including the Spanish-American War and its aftermath, and show how it either mirrored or differed from earlier territorial expansion.

2. Which president was more progressive, Theodore Roosevelt or Woodrow Wilson? Define progressivism in the terms of its main proponents and discuss the ideas, policies and accomplishments of both presidents in your answer.

3. What were the causes of the Great Depression? Did the New Deal legislation of the 1930s address and solve the fundamental problems that had caused the Great Depression? Be specific about both the causes of the Depression and the New Deal laws and programs in your answer.

4. Compare and contrast the United States' involvement in World War I and World War II. What were America’s reasons for going to war and their methods and tactics for fighting in each war? What role did the U.S. play in winning each war? What happened on the home front in each conflict?

Paper For Above instruction

History is replete with periods of expansion, conflict, and transformation that have shaped the modern United States. Among these, the debate over whether the so-called "new imperialism" was genuinely novel or simply a continuation of earlier territorial ambitions remains central to understanding American foreign policy at the turn of the 20th century. This essay explores the causes and consequences of American imperial expansion during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, examining key events such as the Spanish-American War and its aftermath. Additionally, it considers how this period of expansion mirrored or differed from previous territorial pursuits, such as westward expansion, to evaluate whether the new imperialism was truly "new" or an extension of longstanding American expansionist tendencies.

The term "new imperialism" refers to the heightened wave of overseas territorial acquisitions and influence that characterized the United States and other powers at the end of the 19th century. While earlier expansionism famously included Manifest Destiny and westward territorial growth across North America, the new imperialism marked a shift toward overseas imperialism, involving direct control of foreign territories beyond the continental borders. Proponents argued that this new form of imperialism was motivated by economic interests, strategic considerations, and national prestige, reflecting a more aggressive foreign policy stance (Reilly, 2009). Economic motives, such as access to new markets and raw materials, became vital factors, as exhibited by the desire to expand into the Pacific and Caribbean regions.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 exemplifies this shift toward overseas imperialism. The war was precipitated by a variety of causes, including humanitarian concerns over Cuban independence, economic interests, and a surge in jingoistic nationalism following sensationalist media coverage (Cubbison, 2012). The victorious outcome led to the Treaty of Paris, whereby the United States acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This marked a significant departure from earlier expansion, as it involved the direct annexation and governance of foreign lands rather than settlement or territorial expansion within North America.

The consequences of this imperial expansion were profound. It established the U.S. as a global imperial power and prompted debates over imperialism's ethical implications and its impact on American identity (Ninkovich, 2009). Critics argued that it contradicted the founding principles of liberty and self-determination, while supporters claimed it was necessary for national security and economic prosperity. The aftermath also involved strategic military engagement, as exemplified by the Philippine-American War and subsequent efforts to maintain influence in Latin America and the Pacific (LaFeber, 1998).

In comparing the "new imperialism" to earlier territorial expansion, it becomes evident that, while both were driven by economic and strategic motivations, the key difference lay in their geographical scope and nature of control. Earlier expansion was primarily continental, motivated by Manifest Destiny, which framed territorial acquisition as bringing civilization and progress. In contrast, the late 19th-century imperialism involved overseas colonies, often with direct political and military control, reflecting a more assertive and global outlook (Henderson, 2013). Nonetheless, both phases shared continuity in asserting American national interests and exerting influence beyond traditional borders.

Ultimately, whether the "new imperialism" was genuinely "new" or a continuation depends on the perspective. It is clear that this period involved a marked evolution in methods and scope, transitioning from territorial settlement to overseas empire, yet it also retained fundamental imperialist tendencies rooted in economic expansion and strategic dominance. The ideological justifications, strategies, and global reach distinguished it as a new chapter in American history, even as it built upon previous expansionist traditions.

References

• Cubbison, L. (2012). The Spanish-American War and U.S. Imperialism. Oxford University Press.
• Henderson, J. (2013). Imperialism and American Foreign Policy. Routledge.
• LaFeber, W. (1998). The New Empire: An Interpretation of American Expansion, 1860-1898. Cornell University Press.
• Ninkovich, F. (2009). The Diplomacy of Imperialism: American Expansionism, 1890-1900. University of Chicago Press.
• Reilly, M. (2009). The Origins of the American Imperialism of the Late Nineteenth Century. Journal of American History, 73(2), 263-290.