Imperialism's Bitter Fruit

Questions for Epilogue: Imperialism’s Bitter Fruit (pages 32-37)

1. a. After the Spanish were forced out of the Philippines, why did fighting break out between American and Filipino forces? Fighting broke out between the Filipino forces and the American forces because the Filipinos thought that after the Spanish left they were granted independence, but the United States was ordered to take control of the islands. The Filipinos thought that they were fighting for their independence and freedom.

b. How was this a different kind of warfare for American forces? The United states was used to fighting controlled, organized, armies but the Filipinos made quick attacks and both sides tortured and executed their prisoners. Filipino guerillas caused the United states to punish Filipino citizens because the Filipino insurgents blended with the civilians quite well.


2. Why were many African-Americans strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists?
Many African Americans were strong critics of the war against Filipino nationalists because the Filipino nationalists were discriminated against by the white american soldiers of all spots and they were referred to as vulgar names. The Filipinos addressed the racism and the African Americans realized it and deserted the United States in the Philippines.

3. Explain two reasons why the United States lost some of its enthusiasm for imperialism in the early 1900s.

a.American scholars explained how imperialism would cause war and conflict in other places around the world.

b.Theodore Roosevelt said the United States was not ready to take on the burden of an empire.


4. What were the positive effects of American occupation in Puerto Rico and Cuba?
American technology and administrative expertise contributed 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. Yes they were because in giving up Cuba they are giving up the chance to get supplies and important geographical location and as a result they should be able to have some demands.


6. Do you believe the United States was imperialist? Why or why not? No I do not believe the United States was imperialist because they did not have an empire. They helped other countries and brought civilization and freedom. The United States was not looking to increase power but to simply expand.