Zinn Chapter 12 Questions- here are some of the key things you should know
1) Apply the following quote to the chapter 12 “In strict confidence…I should welcome almost any
war, for I think this country needs one…” (p290)
2) Explain the quote from Henry Cabot Lodge “…The great nations are rapidly absorbing for their
future expansion and their present defense all the waste places of the earth,” p291
3) Why was foreign export so important during this time period
4) Describe the idea of “open door” economics. p294
5) Explain the relationship of big business and the desire for war with Spain.
6) What attitude did most socialist groups hold towards a possible war with Spain? Why was this
significant to understanding the era?
7) What was the Teller Amendment supposed to do?
8) What in fact happened to it?
9) What was the Platt Amendment? Explain the dual purpose of it.
a. How did labor groups and radicals view it? Why?
10) Explain McKinley’s rationale for taking the Philippines. p305
a. Provide 1 of the things he based his reasoning on. P305 What was the Anti-Imperialist
league? What did they stand for?
11) What was the outcome of the war in the Philippines?