Imperialism and Foreign Policy Concepts

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to imperialism and foreign policy.

Imperialism

The policy of expanding a nation’s power by gaining political and economical control over another territory.

Market

A system where buyers and sellers interact to exchange goods and services, including both physical marketplaces and broader economic areas.

Raw Materials

Natural substances or inputs used in the production of goods and services, such as minerals, metals, and timber, often extracted from colonized regions.

Religious Missionaries

Individuals or groups who traveled to foreign lands to spread their religious beliefs, playing a significant role in cultural imperialism.

Nationalism

A strong sense of loyalty and pride toward one’s country, often including a belief in the nation’s superiority.

Naval Bases

Strategic military outposts used to protect trade routes, establish military presence, and support imperial control.

Annex

The act of adding territory to a country, often utilized during imperial expansion.

Isolation

A foreign policy where a nation avoids involvement in the affairs of other countries, opposite of imperialism.

Empire

A group of nations or territories ruled by a single sovereign power, often through conquest or colonization.

Colony

A territory under the control of a foreign power, often exploited for economic gain.

Foreign Policy

A government’s approach to dealing with other nations, involving diplomacy and military strategies.

Diplomacy

The practice of negotiating and managing relationships between countries.

Open Door Policy (1900)

A U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal access to Chinese ports for all foreign nations.

Good Neighbor Policy

U.S. strategy emphasizing non-intervention and cooperation with Latin American countries.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Foreign policy of President Theodore Roosevelt, promoting peaceful negotiation backed by military force.

Dollar Diplomacy

Policy of using a nation's financial power to exert influence over other countries, usually through investment and loans.

Gunboat Diplomacy

Using naval or military power to threaten or coerce foreign nations into compliance.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, opened in 1914, which shortened trade routes.

Yellow Journalism

A style of journalism focused on sensationalism over factual reporting, inciting public support for imperialist actions.

USS Maine

A U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

De Lôme Letter

A letter written by the Spanish Ambassador criticizing President McKinley, leaked to the press and stirring anti-Spanish sentiment.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment during the Spanish-American War, led by Theodore Roosevelt, composed of diverse individuals.

Geographic Importance in Imperialism

The strategic significance of regions such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Philippines, Panama, and Guam within imperial contexts.