Question

name
the united states and its overseas possessions in 1917
based on the map, where did u.s. imperialists acquire overseas territories?
territory | reason for acquisition
alaska | alaska-
united states | u.s.-
philippines | ph.-

Explanation:

First, note that the continental United States is not an overseas territory, so it is excluded. For each overseas territory from the map, we identify the key historical reason for U.S. acquisition:

1. Alaska: Purchased from Russia for economic resources and strategic positioning in the Pacific/Arctic.
2. Philippines: Seized after the Spanish-American War, for access to Asian markets and naval bases.
3. Guam: Captured from Spain during the Spanish-American War, as a strategic Pacific refueling/naval hub.
4. Hawaiian Islands: Annexed for economic (sugar industry) and strategic naval use (Pearl Harbor).
5. Midway Island: Claimed for strategic naval outpost and refueling in the central Pacific.
6. Samoa: Divided with Germany, acquired for Pacific naval and commercial strategic value.
7. Panama Canal Zone: Leased after supporting Panamanian independence, to control a critical global shipping route.
8. Puerto Rico: Taken from Spain post-Spanish-American War, for Caribbean strategic and economic benefits.
9. Virgin Islands: Purchased from Denmark, to expand Caribbean strategic naval presence.

Answer:

Territory	Reason for Acquisition
Philippines	Seized post-Spanish-American War for Asian market access & naval bases
Guam	Captured from Spain as a Pacific naval/refueling hub
Hawaiian Islands	Annexed for sugar industry profits & Pearl Harbor naval base
Midway Island	Claimed as a central Pacific naval outpost/refueling stop
Samoa	Acquired (split with Germany) for Pacific strategic value
Panama Canal Zone	Leased to control a critical global shipping route
Puerto Rico	Taken from Spain for Caribbean strategic & economic gains
Virgin Islands	Purchased from Denmark to expand Caribbean naval presence