HST203 - Midterm

Essay Exam

You may use a single 4" x 8" index card, to jot down important events, names, dates, places, etc. to use while writing your essay. You must turn this card in, along with your essay on exam day to receive credit. Bring at least 8 sheets of paper and a pen to class on the day of the midterm.

The following questions are actual exam questions. Of the three questions in each section below, two will be on the exam. You will choose one of the two questions from each section to write your essay. You will write 2 total. (If you prepare for at least four of the questions, you will be assured that two of the four you've prepared for will be on the exam.)

Your discussion should be detailed and well organized. Be sure to answer the question and back your position with facts. You should take a moment to draft a brief outline of your answer. Do NOT write your essays in the first person.

Choose one question from Section A and one from Section B.

Section A

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1. "The Spanish-American War was a premeditated affair resulting from eliberately calculated schemes of robbery on the part of a superior power against a weak and defenseless neighbor."

Assess the validity of this statement.

2. Write your definition of imperialism. Then use this definition to argue that the conduct of American foreign relations between 1898 and 1902 was or was not imperialistic.

3. "One key to the nature of a reform movement is what it seeks to preserve." How does the Progressive reform movement of the early 20th century compare to this statement?

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Section B

1. "The United states entered the First World War not 'to make the world safe for democracy' as President Wilson claimed, but to safeguard American economic interest."