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Difficulty: EasyState Expansion in Asia and the Pacific

Source: President William McKinley, interview regarding the decision to annex the Philippines, 1899.

"I walked the floor of the White House night after night until midnight; and I am not ashamed to tell you, gentlemen, that I went down on my knees and prayed Almighty God for light and guidance more than one night. And one night it came to me this way... that we could not leave them to themselves—they were unfit for self-government—and they would soon have anarchy and misrule over there worse than Spain's was... there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them..."

Which of the following historical processes in the late nineteenth century is directly illustrated by the decision described in the passage?

  1. The territorial expansion and state building of the United States in the Pacific region.Answer
  2. B
    The shift toward economic imperialism that avoided direct political administration or territorial acquisition.
  3. C
    The application of natural selection as a valid scientific theory that proved the biological superiority of Western societies.
  4. D
    The revival of early modern mercantilist goals of accumulating gold and silver bullion through direct state-run monopolies.

Answer

The territorial expansion and state building of the United States in the Pacific region.
The correct option is correct because President McKinley's decision to annex the Philippines directly reflects the territorial expansion and state building of the United States in the Pacific region following the Spanish-American War of 1898. This action established direct colonial rule and political governance over the islands, marking a significant step in American imperial expansion in Asia and the Pacific.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source to identify the key event and actor described.
The source is US President William McKinley explaining his decision to annex (take control of) the Philippines in 1899.
This establishes the historical context of United States intervention and imperial expansion in Southeast Asia.
2
Connect the event to the broader historical developments of Unit 6 regarding state expansion.
The annexation represents a transition of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule to direct United States territorial governance.
This demonstrates a direct form of state expansion by an industrial power in Asia and the Pacific, confirming the correct option.

Key Concept

State Expansion in Asia and the Pacific
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

State Expansion in Asia and the Pacific

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