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 U.S. troops had been ordered to to establish control over the islands, when the Filipinos assumed that they would be granted independence after the Spanish left. Within two hours of the shooting incident, the fighting had begun. The Filipinos believed they were fighting for their independence.

b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces?
U.S. soldiers faced a quick- striking guerilla attack instead of confrontation by an organized army. War rules used by Western nations were ignored and both sides tortured and executed prisoners and commited other atrocities. The Filipino insurgents also blended very well into the civilian population. U.S. commanders routinely punished random civilians in reponse to attacks by Filipino guerillas.

2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?

The military had racist views of the Filipinos. They were refered to as the n word by all white men even of different ranks. Black soldiers faced the same discrimination in the Phillipines as they did back home. Filipinos used this to their advantage by addressing the discrimination. This led to a high number of desertion by African Americans in the Phillipines.

3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.
a.The American public became increasingly apathetic about the issue and even Teddy Roosevelt stated that the country was not prepared to take on the burden of an empire. This could have been due to the continuous fighting.

b.American scholars warned imperialism increases war and conflict around the world. Artists like Mark Twain used their irony to to ridicule the imperialistic ideas.


4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?

American technology and administrative expertise contibuted to rapid development on the islands. 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. gave the United Sates a right to oversee the Cuban economy

b. exercise veto power over Cuban foreign policy

c. intervene whenever necessary for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty

d. 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.

No because they say this was the price the Cubans had to pay for ending U.S. military occupation on their islands but after the Spanish left the United States shouldn't have tried to control the island like they promised they wouldn't do and instead give them their freedom.

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

Yes because even though some people were against it, most American citizens sought to increase their power and economic might by acquiring possessions overseas. The acquisition of Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Phillipines proved that U.S. leaders had been looking for oppurtunities to increase America's power. They claimed to be bringin freedom and civilization to the people but rarely were their needs every taken under consideration.