American Empire: From Western Expansion to Overseas Empire

These flashcards cover key events, concepts, and terms related to the expansion of American influence from western expansion to overseas empire, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 in which the United States emerged as a world power after defeating Spain and acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Philippine-American War

A war from 1899 to 1902 in which the United States fought to suppress Filipino independence, following the annexation of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War.

Turner's Frontier Thesis

The argument by historian Frederick Jackson Turner that American democracy was shaped by the existence of the frontier, which allowed for elements of individualism and egalitarianism.

Insular Cases

Supreme Court rulings starting in 1901 that determined the status of territories acquired by the United States, categorizing them as 'unincorporated territories' not guaranteed the full rights of citizenship.

Teller Amendment

A provision passed by Congress during the Spanish-American War stating that the United States would not annex Cuba but would leave control to its people.

Noncitizen nationals

Residents of U.S. territories who are not U.S. citizens but enjoy some constitutional protections.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, an advocate for American expansion overseas and influenced by Turner’s views on the frontier.

Hawaiian Annexation

The process by which the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898, following a coup by American businessmen against the Hawaiian queen.

American Individualism

A belief system characterized by self-reliance and independence, often romanticized in the context of the American West.

Cuban Sugar Plantations

Economic interests in Cuba that motivated American involvement in the Spanish-American War due to investments in sugar production.