Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 80%

Which of the following best describes the Turner thesis?

Rationale

United States involvement in the Spanish-American War.

Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst were pivotal in rallying public support for the Spanish-American War through their sensationalist journalism, which greatly influenced public opinion and political action during the late 19th century.

A (Cities and urban life shape a distinctive American national character.) YOUR ANSWER

While many newspapers of the time did advocate for the abolition of slavery, Pulitzer and Hearst's most notable impact came later, during the Spanish-American War. Their efforts were not focused on the abolitionist movement, which was largely addressed by earlier journalists and activists.

B (Competition and the survival of the fittest ensure American social progress.) YOUR ANSWER

The establishment of immigration quotas became a significant issue in the early 20th century, but this was not a focus of Pulitzer or Hearst. Their influence was primarily in the realm of foreign affairs, particularly regarding the war with Spain, rather than domestic immigration policies.

C (The moving western frontier is essential to American democracy and social development.) CORRECT

Although the suffrage movement gained momentum around the same time, Pulitzer and Hearst did not play a direct role in advocating for women’s voting rights. Their primary focus was on the sensational coverage of international events, particularly the conflicts leading to the Spanish-American War.

D (The acquisition of territories in the Pacific undermines American ideals.) YOUR ANSWER

Pulitzer and Hearst both employed yellow journalism to sensationalize events related to Cuba's struggle for independence, which stirred public emotion and support for U.S. intervention. Their newspapers contributed significantly to the war fever that helped propel the U.S. into conflict.

E (Naval power is the primary factor in extending American access to overseas markets.) YOUR ANSWER

The AIDS crisis emerged in the late 20th century, long after the era of Pulitzer and Hearst. Their influence was not related to public health campaigns, and they certainly did not play a role in addressing AIDS, which was not a concern during their time.

Conclusion

Pulitzer and Hearst were instrumental in shaping public sentiment for the Spanish-American War through their dramatic and often exaggerated newspaper reporting. Their efforts significantly impacted the U.S. government's decision to engage in the conflict, while their influence did not extend to issues such as slavery, immigration quotas, women's suffrage, or later health campaigns. Their legacy is primarily tied to the role of media in war and public perception.

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