1) How did industrialization lead to imperialism for the United States?
There were two waves of industrialization in the United States. First one lasted from 1820s to 1860s and the second one started in 1870s and went on 1900 onwards. The constuction of railways led it to connect eastern and western coast. America became a storng nation because of this phenomena. The Spanish American war of 1898 gave America territories in Central America and the Pacific Ocean. Later on American industrial and military superiority led it to participate and become a victor in both World Wars. It helped America to make its presence on Eurpoean continent as well as Asia and later on Africa and MiddleEast.
2) What were some of the effects of the Spanish-American war?
Spanish American war is known as a splendid little war. It lasted only two months but it impacts were huge.
1. America routed the Spanish Empire
2. America gained the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and Phillipines from Spain.
3. Cuba became independent although under US control
4. It made America an imperial state with foothold in America and Asia.
3) What were the motivations of the US to help complete the construction of the Panama Canal?
Panama Canal was important for the United States because:
It helped America to project naval power in both oceans i.e. Pacific and the Atlantic. Infact it helped America become a world power.
Then there was the commerical importance: The canal permitted shippers of commercial goods, ranging from automobiles to grain, to save time and money by transporting cargo more quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
4) Explain the causes of WWI.
The murder of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian Nationalist was the reason that hositilities broke through out Europe starting WWI, however there were many other underlying causes. The first and foremost is the hidden pacts and alliances between different states of Europe.
How secret alliances led to WWI:
1. France was allied to Russia
2. Britain was guaranteeing the neutrality of Belgium
3. Germany was behind Austro-Hungarian Empire
4. Russain Empire was supporting Serbia
After the murder of Archduke the heir to AutroHungarian throne, the empire gave and ultimatum to Serbia. Backed by German gurantee Austro-Hungary attacked Serbia. Russia mobilize to defend Serbia, which led Germany to mobilize and then attack France via Belgium to avoid two front war. Britain jumped into the war to maintain Belgium's neutrality. And the rest is history.
Another cause would be the underestimation of the other states' ability to conduct warfare.
5) How did technological developments of weaponry impact WWI?
Technological development impacted WWI in a number of ways.
1. The invention of machine gun enabled one man to face hundreds which led to the death of hundred of thousands.
2. Technology helped states to conduct mechanize warfare with tanks and rapid mobilization which was not possible before.
3. The invention of submarine led Germany to attack Britain by using underwater boats.
4. The use of chemical and biological weapons killed hundred of thousand during WWI.
5. Airplanes were used for the first time in war.
6) Why did the US enter WWI?
The United States was intitally reluctant to become part of a European Conflict, and President Woodrow Wilson had promised to keep America out of foreign wars. However, Imperial Germany was waging unrestricted submarine warfare to prevent Britain the food and other resources. In that warfare Americans merchant ships were attacked as well. Moreover the Americans intercepeted Zimmerman Telegram by Germany to Mexico for inviting Mexico to war on German side and promise of Texas and other territories. This and the American civilian casualities because of German attacks led America to declare war on Germany.
