U.S. Foreign Policy - SAT Subject Test in United States History
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Which of the following was not a factor in the United States’ declaration of war against Britain in 1812?
Which of the following was not a factor in the United States’ declaration of war against Britain in 1812?
In the years between the end of the Revolutionary War and the outbreak of The War of 1812 the American merchant fleet grew dramatically. Although the majority of its trade continued to be with the British, the British public and government resented the added competition—in particular America’s trade with Britain’s perennial enemy, the French. During the Napoleonic Wars British ships often took to impressing American sailors to work aboard their ships—a provocative violation of American neutrality. In America the general response was outrage, and many prominent American politicians, like James Madison and Andrew Jackson, called for a “Second War of Independence” to finish the break with the Empire. Finally, many Americans living on the frontier were fighting a near constant conflict with displaced Native American populations and were offended to find that the British had been providing many Native American groups with weapons and supplies. The only false statement here is that it was the ascension of the Federalist Party that contributed to the outbreak of war. On the contrary, Federalist power was on the decline at the time. It was the Democratic-Republicans, and their significantly more staunch Anti-British feeling, that was in the ascension.
In the years between the end of the Revolutionary War and the outbreak of The War of 1812 the American merchant fleet grew dramatically. Although the majority of its trade continued to be with the British, the British public and government resented the added competition—in particular America’s trade with Britain’s perennial enemy, the French. During the Napoleonic Wars British ships often took to impressing American sailors to work aboard their ships—a provocative violation of American neutrality. In America the general response was outrage, and many prominent American politicians, like James Madison and Andrew Jackson, called for a “Second War of Independence” to finish the break with the Empire. Finally, many Americans living on the frontier were fighting a near constant conflict with displaced Native American populations and were offended to find that the British had been providing many Native American groups with weapons and supplies. The only false statement here is that it was the ascension of the Federalist Party that contributed to the outbreak of war. On the contrary, Federalist power was on the decline at the time. It was the Democratic-Republicans, and their significantly more staunch Anti-British feeling, that was in the ascension.
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"Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!"
The preceding text, referring to the sinking of the U.S. battleship USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898, was a rallying cry that helped propel America into what conflict?
"Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!"
The preceding text, referring to the sinking of the U.S. battleship USS Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898, was a rallying cry that helped propel America into what conflict?
The popular phrase "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" was influential in beginning the Spanish-American War later that year, even though Spanish involvement in the sinking of the Maine was not conclusively determined.
The popular phrase "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" was influential in beginning the Spanish-American War later that year, even though Spanish involvement in the sinking of the Maine was not conclusively determined.
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The XYZ affair was important because .
The XYZ affair was important because .
In the years immediately after the French revolution, diplomatic tensions between the United States and France were growing very quickly and seemed to be precipitating war. In an attempt to avoid war President Adams sent a delegation of diplomats to negotiate with the famous French diplomat Talleyrand. Talleyrand demanded a bribe to even meet with the American representatives; when word spread back to Adams, the United States’ politicians were outraged. Many Federalists called for war and pressed Adams to release a copy of the report filed to him. Adams did release the report, but changed the names of the French diplomats to W, X, Y, and Z thus earning the whole business the title “The XYZ Affair.” In response to the public outrage over this seeming affront to American dignity Federalists were able to push through a massive upgrade to the United States’ Navy. However, Adams steadfastly refused to declare war and tensions ultimately died down.
In the years immediately after the French revolution, diplomatic tensions between the United States and France were growing very quickly and seemed to be precipitating war. In an attempt to avoid war President Adams sent a delegation of diplomats to negotiate with the famous French diplomat Talleyrand. Talleyrand demanded a bribe to even meet with the American representatives; when word spread back to Adams, the United States’ politicians were outraged. Many Federalists called for war and pressed Adams to release a copy of the report filed to him. Adams did release the report, but changed the names of the French diplomats to W, X, Y, and Z thus earning the whole business the title “The XYZ Affair.” In response to the public outrage over this seeming affront to American dignity Federalists were able to push through a massive upgrade to the United States’ Navy. However, Adams steadfastly refused to declare war and tensions ultimately died down.
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What was the key effect of the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg?
What was the key effect of the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg?
The Battle of Gettysburg finished an effort by Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army to invade the North in Pennsylvania and create panic among the Union's populace. The Union victory made Lee take his forces back into Southern territory, and from that point forward, the Southern Army was pushed further back on its heels. The other significance of the Union victory was that it occurred on July 4, 1863, which was also the date that the Union won a victory at Vicksburg, MS, freeing up the Mississippi River. The two victories brought an increasing focus on a smaller amount of Confederate Territory, and helped slowly bring the war to a close nearly two years later.
The Battle of Gettysburg finished an effort by Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army to invade the North in Pennsylvania and create panic among the Union's populace. The Union victory made Lee take his forces back into Southern territory, and from that point forward, the Southern Army was pushed further back on its heels. The other significance of the Union victory was that it occurred on July 4, 1863, which was also the date that the Union won a victory at Vicksburg, MS, freeing up the Mississippi River. The two victories brought an increasing focus on a smaller amount of Confederate Territory, and helped slowly bring the war to a close nearly two years later.
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What was the primary consequence of the Citizen Genet affair?
What was the primary consequence of the Citizen Genet affair?
Edmond-Charles Genet was a French diplomat to the United States during the French Revolution. He was dispatched to the United States to try to encourage American support for the French wars against other European nations, primarily Britain. Citizen Genet ignored official diplomatic avenues, instead focusing on organizing popularly-supported mercenaries to fight Britain’s ally, Spain, in Florida. His success undermined Washington’s proclamation of neutrality, and Washington widely condemned his actions. The matter came to an end when a different form of government came to power, and Genet was branded a criminal in France.
Edmond-Charles Genet was a French diplomat to the United States during the French Revolution. He was dispatched to the United States to try to encourage American support for the French wars against other European nations, primarily Britain. Citizen Genet ignored official diplomatic avenues, instead focusing on organizing popularly-supported mercenaries to fight Britain’s ally, Spain, in Florida. His success undermined Washington’s proclamation of neutrality, and Washington widely condemned his actions. The matter came to an end when a different form of government came to power, and Genet was branded a criminal in France.
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All of the following were an effect of the Battle of Fort Sumter EXCEPT __________.
All of the following were an effect of the Battle of Fort Sumter EXCEPT __________.
The Battle of Fort Sumter broke out in the early morning of April 12, 1860, with Confederate troops bombarding the tiny island fort in Charleston Harbor. Confederates claimed that it was their property, as it was in Confederate territory, while Lincoln refused to let go of Union Army installations. Forces led by Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard bombarded the fort for two days, until the Union troops surrendered, and the Confederates took control of the fort and the harbor. The Battle marked the official start of the Civil War, and many northern volunteers came forward. In slave states that had not joined the Confederacy, secession debates were enflamed once more, with Virginia, Tennesee, North Carolina, and Arkansas rounding out the Confederacy.
The Battle of Fort Sumter broke out in the early morning of April 12, 1860, with Confederate troops bombarding the tiny island fort in Charleston Harbor. Confederates claimed that it was their property, as it was in Confederate territory, while Lincoln refused to let go of Union Army installations. Forces led by Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard bombarded the fort for two days, until the Union troops surrendered, and the Confederates took control of the fort and the harbor. The Battle marked the official start of the Civil War, and many northern volunteers came forward. In slave states that had not joined the Confederacy, secession debates were enflamed once more, with Virginia, Tennesee, North Carolina, and Arkansas rounding out the Confederacy.
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All of the following were causes of the Mexican-American war except __________.
All of the following were causes of the Mexican-American war except __________.
The Mexican-American War was initially incited by the United States' annexation of the Republic of Texas, which Mexico still claimed much of as its own territory. President James K. Polk had been elected by promising to spread American territory to the Pacific, and war with Mexico brought this about most easily. The United States won quite handily, quickly occupying New Mexico and California, and eventually occupying Mexico City. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established peace by giving the present day American Southwest to the United States, and giving America a coast to coast territorial presence.
The Mexican-American War was initially incited by the United States' annexation of the Republic of Texas, which Mexico still claimed much of as its own territory. President James K. Polk had been elected by promising to spread American territory to the Pacific, and war with Mexico brought this about most easily. The United States won quite handily, quickly occupying New Mexico and California, and eventually occupying Mexico City. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established peace by giving the present day American Southwest to the United States, and giving America a coast to coast territorial presence.
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Which of the following was not a cause that directly affected the American declaration of war against Britain in 1812?
Which of the following was not a cause that directly affected the American declaration of war against Britain in 1812?
The Intolerable Acts was the collective name for the series of restrictions placed on the New England colonies in the events preceding the American Revolution. The other answers were causes of the War of 1812.
The Intolerable Acts was the collective name for the series of restrictions placed on the New England colonies in the events preceding the American Revolution. The other answers were causes of the War of 1812.
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The chief effect of the Battle of Gettysburg on the course of the Civil War was __________.
The chief effect of the Battle of Gettysburg on the course of the Civil War was __________.
The Battle of Gettysburg was the decisive turning point in the Civil War. Coming as the culmination of an invasion of the Northern states by the Confederate Army, the Battle of Gettysburg was an overwhelming Union victory. The Union win made the Confederate troops take a torturous retreat that weakened and morale. While the war would continue for almost two more years, the Confederacy was fighting off the back foot for the remainder of the conflict. Although Robert E. Lee resigned as commander of the Confederate Army after the battle, his resignation was refused, and he remained in the role until 1865.
The Battle of Gettysburg was the decisive turning point in the Civil War. Coming as the culmination of an invasion of the Northern states by the Confederate Army, the Battle of Gettysburg was an overwhelming Union victory. The Union win made the Confederate troops take a torturous retreat that weakened and morale. While the war would continue for almost two more years, the Confederacy was fighting off the back foot for the remainder of the conflict. Although Robert E. Lee resigned as commander of the Confederate Army after the battle, his resignation was refused, and he remained in the role until 1865.
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The most significant and direct cause of the Spanish-American War was __________.
The most significant and direct cause of the Spanish-American War was __________.
The United States had always had a special interest in Spain's Caribbean colonial possessions, as they lay so close to the U.S. mainland. In 1898, the Naval battleship U.S.S. Maine was stationed in Havana harbor off the coast of Cuba when it sank under mysterious circumstances. The outcry in the press over the destruction of the American ship made the public and politicians clamor for a war to free Cuba from Spanish rule.
The United States had always had a special interest in Spain's Caribbean colonial possessions, as they lay so close to the U.S. mainland. In 1898, the Naval battleship U.S.S. Maine was stationed in Havana harbor off the coast of Cuba when it sank under mysterious circumstances. The outcry in the press over the destruction of the American ship made the public and politicians clamor for a war to free Cuba from Spanish rule.
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Which of the following was NOT a reason for the United States’ eventual entry into World War I?
Which of the following was NOT a reason for the United States’ eventual entry into World War I?
The immediate cause of the United States’ declaration of war in April of 1917 was the resumption of German submarine warfare in the early part of 1917. However, the sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman telegram, and general support for Britain all helped. News from Russia had little impact in American support for war, and the Russian Revolution took place after America had entered the War.
The immediate cause of the United States’ declaration of war in April of 1917 was the resumption of German submarine warfare in the early part of 1917. However, the sinking of the Lusitania, the Zimmerman telegram, and general support for Britain all helped. News from Russia had little impact in American support for war, and the Russian Revolution took place after America had entered the War.
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What was the primary reason given by Woodrow Wilson for declaring war on Germany in 1917?
What was the primary reason given by Woodrow Wilson for declaring war on Germany in 1917?
Germany had, in 1917, resumed its unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Sea and the Atlantic. This threatened United States trade interests and, more significantly, resulted in the deaths of dozens of U.S. civilians when the Lusitania was attacked. Although affinity for the English and economic rivalry with the Germans played a part in the Congressional debates, it was Germany’s use of U-Boats that finally convinced Wilson that war could not be avoided.
Germany had, in 1917, resumed its unrestricted submarine warfare in the North Sea and the Atlantic. This threatened United States trade interests and, more significantly, resulted in the deaths of dozens of U.S. civilians when the Lusitania was attacked. Although affinity for the English and economic rivalry with the Germans played a part in the Congressional debates, it was Germany’s use of U-Boats that finally convinced Wilson that war could not be avoided.
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What is the name given to the position of the United States government, in the 1930s, that any territory gained through use of militaristic force should not be officially recognized?
What is the name given to the position of the United States government, in the 1930s, that any territory gained through use of militaristic force should not be officially recognized?
The Stimson Doctrine, named after the Secretary of State, Henry Stimson, was issued during the Herbert Hoover administration. It was issued in response to Japan’s invasion of China and the threat of similar territorial expansion in Europe. The Stimson Doctrine states that any territory gained via the use of military force should not be considered valid. It has remained a part of United States’ government policy ever since, although the United States itself has hardly been exempt from using force to expand its territory. It was referenced often as a counter to actions taken by the Soviet Union during the height of the Soviet Empire. Historically, and contemporarily, it has been frequently criticized for achieving little except the alienation of the Japanese. The Kellogg-Briand Pact officially denounced warfare, so could be seen as a reasonable answer here, however it occurred several years earlier and did not specifically refer to how the government should consider territorial gain. The other doctrines generally express ideas contrary to the Stimson Doctrine.
The Stimson Doctrine, named after the Secretary of State, Henry Stimson, was issued during the Herbert Hoover administration. It was issued in response to Japan’s invasion of China and the threat of similar territorial expansion in Europe. The Stimson Doctrine states that any territory gained via the use of military force should not be considered valid. It has remained a part of United States’ government policy ever since, although the United States itself has hardly been exempt from using force to expand its territory. It was referenced often as a counter to actions taken by the Soviet Union during the height of the Soviet Empire. Historically, and contemporarily, it has been frequently criticized for achieving little except the alienation of the Japanese. The Kellogg-Briand Pact officially denounced warfare, so could be seen as a reasonable answer here, however it occurred several years earlier and did not specifically refer to how the government should consider territorial gain. The other doctrines generally express ideas contrary to the Stimson Doctrine.
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All of the following were causes of the Iran Hostage Crisis except __________.
All of the following were causes of the Iran Hostage Crisis except __________.
From 1953 to 1979, Iran was ruled as a monarchy by the Shahs, members of the Pahlavi family, with immense Western backing. Under economic and societal pressures, a revolution broke out against the Shah in 1979, led by Islamic radicals under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Deeply disdainful of Western powers, and responding to anger about the United States' global presence and involvement in the Shah's government, the worker at the American embassy in Tehran were held hostage from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981. The Americans were released despite the unwillingness to negotiate on the Ayatollah's part, only as Ronald Reagan was sworn in at his inauguration.
From 1953 to 1979, Iran was ruled as a monarchy by the Shahs, members of the Pahlavi family, with immense Western backing. Under economic and societal pressures, a revolution broke out against the Shah in 1979, led by Islamic radicals under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Deeply disdainful of Western powers, and responding to anger about the United States' global presence and involvement in the Shah's government, the worker at the American embassy in Tehran were held hostage from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981. The Americans were released despite the unwillingness to negotiate on the Ayatollah's part, only as Ronald Reagan was sworn in at his inauguration.
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The most important effect of Lend-Lease policy was __________.
The most important effect of Lend-Lease policy was __________.
The Lend-Lease policy, officially "An Act to Promote the Defence of the United States," was effectively the end of the United States' neutrality in World War II. While it did not officially enter the war, the Act made the United States firmly support the Allies, Great Britain, Free France, and the Soviet Union, with economic aid and war material. From its enactment in March 1941 to the end of World War II, the US supplied the Allies with over 
in aid and supplies.
The Lend-Lease policy, officially "An Act to Promote the Defence of the United States," was effectively the end of the United States' neutrality in World War II. While it did not officially enter the war, the Act made the United States firmly support the Allies, Great Britain, Free France, and the Soviet Union, with economic aid and war material. From its enactment in March 1941 to the end of World War II, the US supplied the Allies with over
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Which of the following events set off a chain reaction that led to WWI?
Which of the following events set off a chain reaction that led to WWI?
The events leading up to WWI are a little crazy in that, taken piecemeal they seem relatively small, but put together, they created one of the most deadly conflicts in history. At any rate, Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand (of Austria-Hungary—and, coincidentally, the name of a modestly successful band) and his wife. This led to A-H issuing an ultimatum to Serbia, which led to escalation and war, which led to the various different treaties coming into play, which, in turn, led to countries that were not even remotely involved in the original conflict becoming embroiled in a massive war.
The events leading up to WWI are a little crazy in that, taken piecemeal they seem relatively small, but put together, they created one of the most deadly conflicts in history. At any rate, Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand (of Austria-Hungary—and, coincidentally, the name of a modestly successful band) and his wife. This led to A-H issuing an ultimatum to Serbia, which led to escalation and war, which led to the various different treaties coming into play, which, in turn, led to countries that were not even remotely involved in the original conflict becoming embroiled in a massive war.
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On September 3rd, 1783, ______________ officially ended the American Revolutionary War.
On September 3rd, 1783, ______________ officially ended the American Revolutionary War.
Although the Battle of Yorktown was the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War, it was the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that officialy ended the war between the new United States of America and Great Britain.
Although the Battle of Yorktown was the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War, it was the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that officialy ended the war between the new United States of America and Great Britain.
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The event known as the Boston Tea Party was in response to __________.
The event known as the Boston Tea Party was in response to __________.
The Boston Tea Party was a protest conducted by citizens of Massachusetts in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773. In response to increased taxes and tariffs, particularly on tea, many colonists took to organizing opposition to Parliament's acts. After the Tea Act, which raised duties on tea, the most popular drink on both sides of the Atlantic, some of the leading citizens of Boston boarded ships carrying tea and dumped it overboard into Boston Harbor. This act became infamous, but was only one of many protests to a variety of taxes and tariffs. All of these led towards the American Revolution.
The Boston Tea Party was a protest conducted by citizens of Massachusetts in Boston Harbor on December 16, 1773. In response to increased taxes and tariffs, particularly on tea, many colonists took to organizing opposition to Parliament's acts. After the Tea Act, which raised duties on tea, the most popular drink on both sides of the Atlantic, some of the leading citizens of Boston boarded ships carrying tea and dumped it overboard into Boston Harbor. This act became infamous, but was only one of many protests to a variety of taxes and tariffs. All of these led towards the American Revolution.
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The American military took possession of the Phillipines during which conflict?
The American military took possession of the Phillipines during which conflict?
The Spanish-American War was fought simultaneously against Spanish possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Claiming to defend Filipino rebels, the United States invaded the Philippines and fought the Spanish there, soundly defeating them. From 1899-1914, the US fought the very Filipino insurgents they were claiming to defend in their invasion in 1898.
The Spanish-American War was fought simultaneously against Spanish possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Claiming to defend Filipino rebels, the United States invaded the Philippines and fought the Spanish there, soundly defeating them. From 1899-1914, the US fought the very Filipino insurgents they were claiming to defend in their invasion in 1898.
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Introduced on December 2, 1823, this American foreign policy stated that attempts by European nations to establish colonies or impact the affairs of countries in South or North America would be judged as aggressive acts, requiring United States response. What was the name of this policy?
Introduced on December 2, 1823, this American foreign policy stated that attempts by European nations to establish colonies or impact the affairs of countries in South or North America would be judged as aggressive acts, requiring United States response. What was the name of this policy?
First stated by President James Monroe, the Monroe Doctrine became a long-standing tenet of American foreign policy.
First stated by President James Monroe, the Monroe Doctrine became a long-standing tenet of American foreign policy.
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