7.3 - The Spanish-American War

Monroe Doctrine

A policy by the U.S government that warned other nations to stay out of the Western hemisphere.

Yellow Journalism/Press

Sensationalistic accounts of Spanish control that promoted war fever.

De Lôme Letter

A publicized Spanish diplomat letter criticizing President William McKinley, seen as an insult against U.S honor.

Sinking of the Maine

The event of a U.S ship exploding in Havana Harbor, blamed on Spain due to yellow press distortion.

Teller Amendment

After victory against Spain, Cuba was allowed some form of self-government.

Treaty of Paris

The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S and selling the Philippines for 20 million.

Cuban Revolution

The movement for independence from Spain in Cuba, gaining considerable American support.

Battleship USS Maine

The sinking of the USS Maine, leading to the death of 260 Americans and further fueling the war fever.

Platt Amendment

An amendment that cultivated Cuban resentment as it gave the U.S full power to intervene in economic or military matters in Cuba.

Filipino Insurrection

The uprising in the Philippines against U.S control after the acquisition of the Philippines from Spain.

Open Door Policy

A policy in China that aimed to establish equal trading privileges for all nations, ending European spheres of influence.

Boxer Rebellion

A rebellion in China against foreign powers, put down by a multinational military force that included the U.S.

Panama Canal

The construction of the canal, influenced by the Spanish-American War and the need for better trade access to Asia.

Insular Cases

Court cases that decided constitutional rights did not automatically apply to overseas holdings of the U.S.

Jones Act

An act that granted rights to the Philippines and laid the path to independence.