The Progressive Era and American Imperialism

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the Progressive Era and American Imperialism, including important events, policies, and influential figures.

Progressivism

A movement to use the government to improve the lives of common people.

Muckrakers

Journalists who exposed corruption and injustices in politics and business.

Imperialism

Stronger nations attempt to create empires by dominating weaker nations.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that it was America's destiny to expand across the continent.

Social Darwinism

The application of the Theory of Evolution to society, justifying imperialism.

Teller Amendment

Stated that Cuba must be independent when the Spanish-American War ended.

Platt Amendment

Allowed the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Gunboat Diplomacy

Diplomatic approach that uses threats of military force to achieve foreign policy goals.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Ended the Spanish-American War; Spain must leave Cuba and cede Puerto Rico and Guam to the USA.

Rough Riders

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

Open-Door Policy

U.S. policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China.

McKinley

The 25th President of the United States, in office during the Spanish-American War.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Naval officer whose ideas about sea power influenced U.S. military strategy.

Hawaii Sugar Treaty

Allowed Hawaii to sell duty-free sugar to the U.S. in exchange for not selling land to foreign nations.

Admiral George Dewey

U.S. naval commander who led forces to victory in the Battle of Manila Bay.

Cuban Problems

Economic and political issues in Cuba that led to American intervention.

The Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program focused on consumer protection, corporation control, and conservation.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's foreign policy that aimed to use economic power to achieve American interests abroad.

New Nationalism

Roosevelt's progressive policy platform that advocated for federal regulation of the economy.

New Freedom

Wilson's policy that emphasized breaking up monopolies and reducing government intervention.

Election of 1912

A significant presidential election where Wilson won over Roosevelt and Taft.

Frank Norris

Author of 'The Octopus,' which critiqued the power of railroad trusts.

Henry Demarest Lloyd

Muckraker known for 'Wealth Against Commonwealth,' criticizing Standard Oil.

Initiative

A political process that allows citizens to propose legislation directly.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate can vote on a particular proposal.

Recall

A procedure to remove an elected official from office by vote.

Social Injustice

Unfair treatment of individuals or groups in society.

Hiram Johnson

Governor of California who regulated railroad trusts.

Triangle Fire

A tragic factory fire in 1911 that led to significant labor reforms.

Women’s Christian Temperance Union

An organization advocating for the prohibition of alcohol.

Prohibition

The legal act of prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

Cuban Independence

The goal that ultimately led to the Teller Amendment and U.S. intervention in Cuba.

The Wisconsin Idea

A reform policy aimed at increasing government accountability and efficiency.

San Juan Hill

Site of a decisive battle in the Spanish-American War involving the Rough Riders.

Industrial Growth

The expansion of manufacturing and industry that fueled the need for imperialism.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who was overthrown in 1893.

William Randolph Hearst

A newspaper publisher known for his role in stirring public sentiment for the Spanish-American War.

Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan

Naval strategist who argued for a strong navy to protect trade and national interests.

Henry Ford

Innovator in industrial and manufacturing techniques, notably the assembly line.