American imperialism

Alfred Thayer Mahan

A U.S. naval officer who advocated for strong navies and overseas bases as crucial for becoming a global power, encapsulating the rationale behind American imperialism.

American Imperialism

The policy of the U.S. aimed at expanding its influence and control over other countries through economic, political, and military means, leading to territorial acquisitions.

Annexation of Hawaii

The process initiated by American businessmen who overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, leading to Hawaii's annexation by the U.S. in 1898 to serve as a refueling station for the Navy.

Battle of San Juan Hill

A decisive victory for the U.S. during the Spanish-American War, famously led by Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders in Cuba.

Big Stick Policy

A foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing the use of military power to achieve diplomatic goals; closely related to the Roosevelt Corollary.

Chinese Exclusion Act

An 1882 law that prohibited Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S., marking the first significant government regulation of immigration driven by anti-Asian sentiment.

Commodore Matthew Perry

The U.S. naval officer who, in 1854, opened Japan to Western trade by showcasing American military strength.

Cuba

An island nation in the Caribbean that gained independence from Spain during the Spanish-American War, maintaining significant U.S. influence post-war.

De Lome Letter

An insulting private letter from the Spanish ambassador, which incited American outrage and contributed to the onset of the Spanish-American War.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft’s foreign policy that utilized American economic power to influence countries, particularly in Latin America, by investing in their economies.

Great White Fleet

A fleet of U.S. Navy ships sent around the world from 1907 to 1909 under Roosevelt’s orders to demonstrate American naval power.

Guam

A Pacific island acquired by the U.S. from Spain in 1898, which remains a U.S. territory.

Guantanamo Bay

A naval base in Cuba leased to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, still under U.S. operation today.

Hawaii

An island chain in the Pacific that was annexed by the U.S. in 1898 and later became a state in 1959.

Henry Cabot Lodge

A U.S. Senator who was a strong supporter of American imperialism and advocated for building a powerful navy.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a nation’s influence and power through diplomacy, colonization, or military force.

Isolationism

A foreign policy that emphasizes avoiding political or military involvement in other countries' affairs.

John Hay

U.S. Secretary of State who proposed the Open Door Policy to ensure equal trade rights for all nations in China.

Jose Marti

A Cuban poet and revolutionary leader who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spain.

Lock System

A mechanical system used in canals, like the Panama Canal, to raise and lower ships between different water levels.

Midway

A small Pacific island acquired by the U.S. in 1867, utilized as a naval base and coaling station.

Missionaries

Religious workers who traveled abroad to convert people to Christianity, often supporting cultural imperialism and U.S. influence.

Monroe Doctrine

A 1823 policy warning European nations against further colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy aimed at promoting equal trading rights among nations in China while preserving its territorial integrity.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing travel time for trade and military operations.

Panama Canal Zone

The area surrounding the Panama Canal that was controlled by the U.S. from 1903 to 1999 following its support of Panama's revolution.

Philippines

A group of Pacific islands acquired by the U.S. during the Spanish-American War that later resisted American rule in the Philippine-American War.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 law that restricted Cuba's independence and allowed U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.

Puerto Rico

A Caribbean island acquired by the U.S. as a result of the Spanish-American War and remains a U.S. territory.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and collect debts, also known as the Big Stick Policy.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, noted for its role in key battles.

Sandford B. Dole

An American businessman who led the provisional government established after the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown and later became President of the Republic of Hawaii.

Social Darwinism

The belief that certain nations or races are superior and destined to dominate others, often used to justify imperialist policies.

Spanish-American War

A brief conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain that resulted in U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Sphere of Influence

A region where a foreign nation has special economic and political privileges, often involving influence over commerce and local governments.

Territories

Lands under U.S. control, such as Guam and Puerto Rico, providing access to resources and markets.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the U.S. who supported imperialism, led the Rough Riders, oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal, and promoted the Roosevelt Corollary and Big Stick Policy.

U.S.S. Maine

An American battleship whose explosion in Havana Harbor incited public calls for war with Spain, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

White Man’s Burden

A phrase from a poem suggesting that it is the duty of Western powers to civilize non-Western peoples, often used to justify imperialistic endeavors.

Wake Island

A Pacific island acquired by the U.S. in 1898, used as a refueling and military outpost.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting that exaggerated facts to influence public opinion and galvanize support for war, particularly during the Spanish-American