HISTORY NOTES

imperialism

A policy by which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

Why did America switch from being isolationists to imperialists?

America shifted due to economic desires for new markets and raw materials, military interests to protect economic interests abroad, and cultural beliefs in spreading democracy.

colonialism

The implanting of settlements on a distant territory; a common method used to imperialize.

the Berlin Conference

A meeting held in 1884-1885 where imperialist countries of Europe divided up Africa into colonies.

isolationists

Individuals who favored keeping out of foreign affairs and were against American imperialism.

expansionists

Individuals who favored imperializing territories beyond the continental United States.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War?

The U.S. acquired sovereignty over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and established a protectorate over Cuba.

What role did yellow journalism play in the Spanish-American War?

Newspapers published exaggerated stories of Spanish cruelty to the Cubans, which stirred public anger.

USS Maine

An armored cruiser that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1895, which became a cause for the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

It gives the USA the right to intervene in Cuban affairs anytime there is a threat to life, property, or individual liberty.

social darwinism

Darwin had said that stronger individuals of a species evolve and adapt over time.

white mans burden

Those who viewed it as the duty of white people to imperialize justified it by misusing Charles Darwin.