Expansions and Foreign Policy Overview

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts, events, and figures related to U.S. foreign policy and expansionism.

Treaty of Kanagawa

A treaty that opened Japan to U.S. trade after it was isolated.

Boxer Rebellion

An uprising in China where the Boxers attacked foreigners, resulting in U.S. intervention.

Alaska Purchase

The acquisition of Alaska in 1867 for $17.2 million, which later proved valuable.

Isolationism

A foreign policy of not getting involved in other nations' affairs.

Spanish-American War

A conflict influenced by yellow journalism, idealism, and U.S. imperial aspirations.

Foreign Policy

How a country interacts and deals with other nations.

Annex

To take over a territory and incorporate it into one’s country.

Expansionism

The policy of expanding a country's territory or influence.

Imperialism

When a strong country dominates weaker countries for its benefit.

White Man's Burden

The belief that white people had a duty to 'civilize' other races.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that the U.S. was destined to expand westward.

U.S.S. Maine

A U.S. battleship whose explosion contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry led by Teddy Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated news reporting to attract readers.

Manila Bay

The site of a naval battle in which the U.S. defeated Spain.

Foraker Act

A 1900 law that established civilian government in Puerto Rico.

Platt Amendment

A legislation that limited Cuba's rights and allowed U.S. intervention.

Open Door Policy

A diplomatic policy that allowed all countries to trade with China equally.

Roosevelt Corollary/big stick policy

A policy declaring that the U.S. would intervene in Latin America to maintain order.

isolationism

Staying out of another country’s problems isolate

Panama Canal

A strategic waterway built by the U.S. to facilitate maritime trade.

Idealism

Acting based on one's morals and principles in foreign policy.

Self-interest

Acting to benefit oneself in international relations.

Hawaii

Islands annexed by the U.S. that later became a state.

Monroe Doctrine

A principle stating that Europe should refrain from interfering in the Americas.

Sphere of Influence

An area where one nation exerts significant power over others.

Teddy Roosevelt

U.S. president known for supporting expansionism.

William Taft

U.S. president associated with Dollar Diplomacy.

Joseph Pulitzer

A newspaper owner known for his role in yellow journalism.

William Randolph Hearst

A powerful newspaper owner who exaggerated news stories.

Liliuokalani

The last queen of Hawaii who opposed U.S. annexation.

General Weyler

A Spanish general notorious for his brutal tactics in Cuba.