American Imperialism and the Philippine-American War

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key concepts, prominent figures, major events, and repressive policies related to American Imperialism and the Philippine-American War.

Imperialism

A policy or system in which a powerful nation dominates a weaker one to expand its territory and influence.

Age of Imperialism

The period when Western nations expanded their rule over Asia and Africa, competing to acquire territories to supply raw materials.

Scramble for Africa

The division of the African continent among European countries to exploit natural resources, which also paved the way for the Atlantic Slave Trade.

Social Darwinism

A theory applying Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution to human societies, used by imperialists to claim Europeans were a technologically and culturally superior race with a duty to civilize weaker nations.

Colonies

Territories directly governed by the colonizing power, particularly regarding economic, political, and social aspects.

Protectorates

A form of imperialism where a stronger nation offered protection to a weaker one in exchange for control over its political and economic affairs.

Sphere of Influence

A form of imperialism where an imperial power extended its economic and diplomatic control over a region without exercising direct political rule.

Manifest Destiny

The idea that Americans were divinely chosen to spread their culture, democratic ideals, and Protestant Christianity across North America.

White Man's Burden

The idea claiming it was the moral duty of the white race, particularly Europeans and Americans, to civilize and uplift nonwhite peoples such as Asians and Africans.

Monroe Doctrine of 1823

A doctrine that warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere, especially in Latin American nations fighting for independence.

USS Maine

The battleship that exploded while anchored in Havana Harbor, Cuba, initiating the Spanish-American War.

Treaty of Paris

The treaty that officially ended the Spanish-American War.

Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation

A proclamation formally declaring the full occupation of the Philippines by the United States and claiming a divine and moral duty to educate, civilize, improve the lives of, and Christianize the Filipino people.

William Grayson

An American soldier who fired the first shot that started the Philippine-American War.

General Antonio Luna

The appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army who led the organized military defense against the Americans.

General Gregorio del Pilar

The leader of Filipino forces at the Battle of Tirad Pass who fought bravely against advancing Americans and died in battle.

Januario Galut

A Tingguian guide who led American forces along a path behind the Filipino defenses during the Battle of Tirad Pass.

General Funston

An American general who, along with Macabebe soldiers, disguised himself as a Filipino soldier to capture Aguinaldo in his camp.

General Miguel Malvar

The leader who assumed command of Philippine revolutionary forces after Aguinaldo's capture and eventually surrendered due to hunger, disease, and exhaustion.

Macario Sakay

A former Katipunero who organized the Tagalog Republic in Tanay, Rizal, led guerrilla forces, and was executed after being deceived into surrendering.

General Jacob Smith

An outraged American general who ordered a brutal retaliation after the Balangiga attack, commanding troops to burn towns across Samar and kill all males capable of bearing arms.

Sedition Law

An American policy stating that any form of expression supporting Philippine independence would be considered an act of sedition.

Brigandage Act

An American policy allowing the arrest and execution of individuals labeled as bandits or outlaws.

Reconcentration Act

An American policy under which civilians were forcibly relocated to towns controlled by American forces.

Flag Law

An American policy prohibiting the public display of the Philippine flag or any revolutionary symbols associated with the Filipino struggle for independence.