Period 7 Vocab 1

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, especially by acquiring territories.

Big Stick Policy

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy of negotiating peacefully while maintaining a strong military presence.

Teddy Roosevelt

26th U.S. president (1901-1909), known for progressive reforms, trust-busting, conservation efforts, and his role in the Spanish-American War.

San Juan Hill

Site of a decisive battle in the Spanish-American War, where Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders gained fame.

Cuba

A Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War, after which the U.S. gained influence through the Platt Amendment.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, known for their charge up San Juan Hill.

Battle of Manila

The first major battle of the Spanish-American War, where U.S. forces, led by Commodore George Dewey, destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet.

Philippines

A Spanish colony captured by the U.S. in 1898, later the site of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) as Filipinos resisted U.S. control.

"Splendid Little War"

Term used by Secretary of State John Hay to describe the Spanish-American War, emphasizing its short duration and U.S. victory.

Spanish-American War and yellow journalism

Sensationalist journalism, particularly by Hearst and Pulitzer, exaggerated Spanish atrocities to push the U.S. toward war.

Teller Amendment

U.S. declaration stating it would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Perpetual base at Guantanamo Bay

Established through the Platt Amendment, granting the U.S. a permanent naval base in Cuba.

Roosevelt Corollary

Extension of the Monroe Doctrine by Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.

Panama Canal

A vital waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific, constructed after U.S. support for Panama’s independence from Colombia.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft’s policy of using economic investments to extend U.S. influence abroad, particularly in Latin America.

Mexican Revolution

A violent revolution (1910-1920) that overthrew dictator Porfirio Díaz; key figures included Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and Venustiano Carranza.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret German message to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S., which helped push America into World War I.