Topic 8 U.S. History Vocabulary

Annexation

The official addition of a foreign territory into another nation.

Anti-Imperialist League

A group of Americans who opposed U.S. territorial expansion, arguing it went against democratic values.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy of negotiating peacefully while threatening to use military force.

Dollar Diplomacy

William Howard Taft’s foreign policy of using American financial investments to exert influence in other nations.

Imperialism

When a stronger nation controls weaker nations politically, economically, or militarily.

Jingoism

Extreme, aggressive patriotism that actively pushes for war.

Jose Marti

A Cuban poet and revolutionary who led Cuba's fight for independence from Spain.

Joseph Pulitzer

Publisher of the New York World who used sensationalized yellow journalism to sell newspapers.

Monroe Doctrine

An 1823 policy warning European nations not to interfere or colonize in the Americas.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. proposal demanding equal trade rights for all foreign nations in China.

Platt Amendment

A U.S. law forcing Cuba to allow American military intervention and naval bases on the island.

Protectorate

A country that is partially controlled and protected by a stronger foreign power.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating the U.S. would act as an international police force in Latin America.

Rough Riders

A famous volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

A U.S. promise made before the Spanish-American War that it would not annex Cuba.

USS Maine

An American battleship whose explosion in Havana Harbor sparked the Spanish-American War.

White Man's Burden

The racist belief that Western nations had a duty to "civilize" non-white people.

William Randolph Hearst

Publisher of the New York Journal who used yellow journalism to stir up American support for war with Spain.

Yellow Fever

A mosquito-borne disease that killed thousands of soldiers during the Spanish-American War and canal construction.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated and sensationalized news reporting designed to attract readers and manipulate public opinion.