American Imperialism

These flashcards cover key concepts related to American imperialism as discussed in the lecture, including definitions, key figures, and significant ideologies.

What is imperialism?

A process by which a powerful state extends authority over a weaker state to exploit its resources.

What is sovereignty?

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

What is self-determination?

The principle that a nation has the right to govern itself without external interference.

What is economic control?

The authority to direct and manage the economic resources and policies of another state.

What is cultural expansion?

The belief that one culture should spread its values and institutions to other societies.

Who was William Seward?

Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1868.

What is Seward's Folly?

The purchase of Alaska, seen at the time as a foolish acquisition due to its perceived lack of value.

What is social Darwinism?

The theory that human groups and races are subject to the same laws of natural selection as Charles Darwin perceived in plants and animals in nature, often justifying imperialism.

What is American exceptionalism?

The belief that the United States is inherently different and superior to other nations.

What is the civilizing mission?

The idea that imperial powers have a duty to bring civilization to 'lesser' peoples.

What is The White Man's Burden?

A poem by Rudyard Kipling that expressed the duty of Western powers to civilize other nations.

Who was Alfred Thayer Mahan?

A US naval officer who advocated for a powerful navy as critical to imperial power.

What is the Frontier Thesis?

The argument by historian Frederick Jackson Turner that American democracy depended on westward expansion.

Who are the anti-imperialists?

Those who opposed American expansion and imperialism, emphasizing self-determination and isolationism.

What is the Anti-Imperialist League?

A group formed in 1898 to oppose the annexation of the Philippines.

What is the Spirit of 1776?

The belief that nations should be allowed to govern themselves, rooted in American founding principles.

What is isolationism?

A foreign policy stance of avoiding entanglement in international alliances and conflicts.

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

A US policy that opposed European colonialism in the Americas.

Who was Andrew Carnegie?

A prominent anti-imperialist who argued against the annexation of the Philippines.

What is Distant Possessions?

An essay by Andrew Carnegie warning against the annexation of non-white populations.

What was the Spanish-American War?

An 1898 conflict where the US gained territories, marking a shift toward imperialism.

What is competitiveness?

The drive for a nation to expand in order to keep up with or surpass other nations.

What is the closing of the Western Frontier?

The realization in 1890 that the American frontier had been settled, prompting calls for new expansion.