U.S. Influence Overseas
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In the late 1800's, the U.S. grew rapidly in terms of territory and political influence. How did he/she feel about America's connection to the Spanish-American War or other foreign matters? Choose this Topic to summarize his/her ideas.
In the late 1800's, the United States expanded not only its physical territory, but also its political influence abroad. At the time, many citizens felt the U.S. should maintain a policy of isolationism. Was he/she concerned with America's growing influence abroad?
- The Spanish-American War of 1898 was fought to free Cuba from Spanish rule, but one ironic result of the war was the American annexation of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as American territories. How did he/she feel about the acquisition of the new colonies?
- In the U.S. government, there was bitter debate over these acquisitions. Some even called the actions of the U.S. imperialistic. In general, how did he/she feel about America's role in world affairs?
- Did he/she think the acquisition of the colonies was good planning? For example, the Midway Islands, acquired by the U.S. in 1867, were strategically important to the U.S. in World War II. Did he/she think that the more land the U.S. owned, the better off the country would be?
- Some people felt that America's involvement in international affairs would lead to entanglement in foreign rivalries and wars. In fact, President George Washington envisioned this and warned against it. Did he/she think that a policy of isolationism was preferable to expansionism?
As the Western United States grew rapidly in the late 1800's, it became more and more apparent that a canal across Central America would greatly benefit both American business and the military. Did the construction of the Panama Canal or the political events leading up to it interest him/her?
- In 1903, Panama was a part of Colombia. When Colombia wanted more money for access rights to the canal site, the U.S. helped Panama revolt against Colombia. Many Americans felt that this was a misuse of American military power. How did he/she feel about the actions of the U.S?
- The Hay-Bonau-Varilla Treaty of 1903 gave the U.S. the right to build and operate the Panama Canal. It also gave the U.S. the rights to five miles of territory on either side of the waterway. Did he/she or any of his/her ancestors participate in the politics of the treaty? What role did he/she play?
- The Panama Canal cut sailing time between the Pacific and the Atlantic by two-thirds. In the eyes of traders, travelers, and the Navy, this was an excellent improvement. Did the treaty directly or indirectly affect his/her life? In what ways?
- The canal was begun in 1907 and completed in 1914. The canal was open for traffic on August 15, 1914. Did he/she or anyone he/she knew travel through the canal? What was it like? Describe the experience.
- The construction of the canal cost $380 million. Did he/she think building the canal at this expense was worthwhile? Why or why not?
In 1854, Japan had a strong policy of isolationism. Thus, it was no surprise that the U.S. needed a show of military force to help establish a Japanese-American treaty of "friendship" and commerce. Was he/she interested in or affected by Commodore Perry's treaty with Japan?
- America's 1854 treaty with Japan was an example of America's growing strength and international importance. What were his/her feelings on this treaty, called the Treaty of Kanagawa? Did he/she live in an area where the treaty directly benefited trade and commerce, such as the West Coast?
- How did he/she feel about the U.S. government's expansionist policies in general? Did he/she believe that it was in America's best interest to participate in what some people called "the contest for empire"?
- What was it like to live in America at a time when it was so rapidly growing in size, strength, and power? How did the political atmosphere of the country affect his/her own outlook on life?
Over the years the U.S. has involved itself in the affairs of many foreign nations. Did he/she have an opinion about these activities?
- In general, what did he/she think about U.S. involvement overseas? Did he/she believe that it was proper for the U.S. to interfere in others' affairs, or did he/she feel that the U.S. should concentrate on internal issues?
- What influenced his/her thinking on these ideas? Did he/she have friends or family living in a country in which the U.S. interfered? Did he/she feel that the U.S. had enough problems of its own without trying to solve others'?
- Was there any occurrence of U.S. involvement overseas that particularly interested him? Which countries did it involve? Why did the U.S. decide to interfere? What was his/her opinion on the issues?
- Was there ever a foreign issue that the U.S. didn't participate in when he/she thought it should? What was it about? Why was he/she interested in this issue? Why did he/she think the U.S. stayed out of it?