AP U.S. History Flashcards: Imperialism: Debates
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Imperialists
Imperialists were those who argued for American expansion overseas, citing economic opportunities, racial theories, competition with European empires, and the closing of the western frontier.
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Imperialists
Imperialists were those who argued for American expansion overseas, citing economic opportunities, racial theories, competition with European empires, and the closing of the western frontier.
What type of theory was ironically used by BOTH imperialists and anti-imperialists to support their opposing views?
Both imperialists and anti-imperialists cited racial theories to support their arguments for or against American expansion.
An American arguing against acquiring the Philippines because it would violate the ideals of the Declaration of Independence is using which anti-imperialist argument?
This argument is based on the anti-imperialist principle of self-determination, which holds that all people have the right to choose their own form of government.
How did the perception of a “closed” western frontier influence the debate on imperialism?
The perception that the western frontier was “closed” was used by imperialists to argue that America needed a new outlet for expansion overseas.
What core American principle did anti-imperialists argue was violated by acquiring overseas territories?
Anti-imperialists argued that acquiring overseas territories violated the American principle of self-determination.
Identify two distinct arguments used by imperialists to justify U.S. expansion.
Imperialists justified expansion by citing the need for new economic opportunities and the need to maintain competition with powerful European empires.
What U.S. foreign policy tradition did anti-imperialists cite in their arguments against expansion?
Anti-imperialists cited the U.S. foreign policy tradition of isolationism to argue against extending American territory overseas.
Anti-imperialists
Anti-imperialists were those who argued against extending U.S. territory overseas, citing principles of self-determination, racial theories, and the U.S. tradition of isolationism.
What was a primary economic argument for U.S. imperialism?
Imperialists cited the need for new economic opportunities as a primary justification for American expansion overseas.
What external pressure fueled the imperialist argument that the U.S. must expand?
Imperialists argued that intense competition with European empires made it necessary for the United States to expand its own territory and influence.