Imperialism: Debates

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to US imperialism and foreign policy from 1890 to 1945.

What was the essential question discussed in Unit 7 AMSCO APUSH Notes?

What are the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation's proper role in the world?

What US policy expanded after the 1790s?

Expanding Westward, protecting US interests abroad, and limiting foreign influence in the Americas.

What was the impact of the Civil War on US foreign policy?

Increased interest in overseas trade and establishing overseas bases.

Who was William H. Seward?

An influential expansionist Secretary of State under Lincoln and Johnson.

What territory did Seward annex in the Pacific?

Midway Island.

What was 'Seward's Folly'?

The purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million, criticized by many Americans.

What did American missionaries and entrepreneurs do in Hawaii?

They settled in Hawaii since the mid-1800s and aimed to gain control over Pearl Harbor.

What event led to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani?

American planters aided by US Marines in 1893.

What was the 'New Imperialism'?

A period when the US sought to acquire overseas territories for raw materials and markets.

What concept justified US expansion in relation to international relations?

International Darwinism, which applied 'survival of the fittest' to nations.

Who were key advocates for US expansion?

Missionaries like Reverend Josiah Strong and politicians like Theodore Roosevelt.

What was Alfred Thayer Mahan's argument regarding naval power?

A strong navy is crucial for securing foreign markets.

What conference did James G. Blaine organize in 1889?

The Pan-American Conference.

What was the significance of the Monroe Doctrine related to Latin America?

It established the US as a protector in the region against European intervention.

What was President Cleveland's involvement in the boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana?

He insisted Britain arbitrate the dispute, applying the Monroe Doctrine.

What were the causes of the Spanish-American War?

Cuban revolt, US investments in Cuba, and the Monroe Doctrine.

What was the yellow press?

Sensationalistic reporting that stirred public support for intervention in Cuba.

What did the De Lome Letter entail?

It contained a highly critical letter of President McKinley from a Spanish diplomat.

What event triggered increased public support for the Spanish-American War?

The explosion of the USS Maine.

What ultimatum did McKinley issue to Spain?

Demanding a ceasefire in Cuba.

What did the Teller Amendment declare?

The US had no intention of taking political control of Cuba.

Who led the American forces in the Philippines during the war?

Commodore George Dewey.

What were the Rough Riders?

A volunteer regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Cuban campaign.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris (1898)?

US gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines; recognized Cuban independence.

What was the Anti-Imperialist League?

A group opposing US expansion and imperialism, led by figures like William Jennings Bryan.

What did the Insular Cases address?

Whether constitutional rights applied to US territories.

What did the Platt Amendment require of Cuba?

Cuba had to accept US intervention and maintain a US naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

What was Woodrow Wilson's approach to foreign policy?

He promoted a moral approach and opposed imperialism.

What did the Jones Act of 1916 grant to the Philippines?

Full territorial status and suffrage for male citizens.

What was the Open Door Policy in China?

A policy proposing equal trade opportunities for all nations in China.

What was the Boxer Rebellion?

A nationalist uprising in China against foreign influence and missionaries.

What was the significance of Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy?

It emphasized aggressive foreign policy to demonstrate US power.

What was the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty (1901)?

An agreement allowing the US to construct a canal in Panama without British involvement.

What was the purpose of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine?

To justify US intervention in Latin America to manage European debts.

What was the Great White Fleet?

A fleet of US battleships sent on a world cruise to showcase naval power.

What was Dollar Diplomacy under Taft?

A policy relying on economic investment to influence international relations.

What actions did the US take in Nicaragua during Taft's presidency?

Intervened in financial affairs and sent marines during civil unrest.