US History Questions - Assignment Example

First question: What were the causes of the New Imperialism and how did the U.S. participate in this movement? Under what auspices did the U.S. acquire territory, and how did the U.S. treat those territories? Explain.Answer: Imperialism is defined as a nation’s expansion over other lands. It involves domination of a country’s economic, cultural and political life by another country. New Imperialism took place from 1870-1914. The European powers were keen to expand their territories which led to scramble for new land.

The western nations eyed Asia and Africa as their future source for raw materials and a market to send their goods. The causes of the New Imperialism were economic, political and cultural causes. The economic causes involved the Western powers who were looking for sources for raw materials to run their factories. They were also looking for a future market to sell their manufactured goods and the Western bankers were looking for places to gain more profits. On the political front these Western powers were anxious for power and hence they believed that more land ownership meant more power.

Having more land and colonies was also considered to be a status symbol; it showed strength and prestige of a nation. The cultural causes that led to Imperialism were the beliefs of the Western leaders. They believed that the best and strongest nation comes out only after they have faced struggle. Some racists believed that some races were better and superior to others. Some European leaders believed they had a duty to help and educate the African and Asian people. By the end of the 1800s the United States also took part in the Imperialism and colonial takeover.

They defeated a Spanish fleet in Manila Bay and took over Philippines. They took over this territory claiming it was their obligation to civilize other parts and other people of the world. Americans had hidden motives behind this takeover. They eyed the Philippines as a stepping stone to reach the Chinese markets and they were also trying to prevent Japan to take charge of the area. United States did not treat those territories like they should have; they did not treat them morally like they claimed they would.

Second Question:This unit of our class examined the Progressive Era and World War I. Whether we were discussing world events or domestic problems (social problems, class issues, labor issues, technology, government, gender) it seems that all of the struggles of the era can be traced back to a few key questions: How do people live in a modern industrial society and what solutions were proposed?ANSWER: A modern industrial society is one in which there has been an outburst of industrialization by the replacement of agricultural societies.

These modern societies are continuously transforming due to technological developments. These modern societies have effect on the people living there. There is rapid urbanization due to which there is a population growth in the cities. Rise in productivity has also increased the standard of living of the people in the society. The urbanization has caused changes in the labor force causing increase in white collar jobs, increased employment for women and increase in work organizations. Modern industrial societies have also given rise to the subject of class.

People in a modern society are divided into lower class, middle class and the upper class. Upper classes have ownership of properties or industries that produce products, whereas the middle class are educated and have various qualifications. The concept of living in a joint family has also diminished, as people now prefer living with a small brood or rather a nuclear family.