American Imperialism Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards on American Imperialism. Topics include: Imperialism, Causes of Imperialism, Alaska, Hawaii, Spanish-American War, Cuba Libre, Yellow Journalism, USS Maine, War in Phillipines, Treaty of Paris, Roosevelt Corollary, Open Door Policy, Boxer Rebellion, Panama Canal

Imperialism

The economic and political domination of a strong nation over weaker nations.

Protectorates

Imperial power allows local leaders to stay in control but takes the 'advice' of the Strong Nation

Social Darwinism

Belief that stronger nations had the right and responsibility to oversee weaker ones.

William Seward

Secretary of State who arranged for the United States to buy Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867.

Sanford B. Dole

Wealthy plantation owner who became the president of Hawaii and advocated for annexation to the U.S.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist newspaper reporting that heightened public anger and interest in the conflict with Spain.

De Lome Letter

A letter written by the Spanish ambassador criticizing President McKinley, which fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in the U.S.

Platt Amendment

Gave the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs at any time.

Anti-Imperialistic League

The US should not deprive others of freedom.

Spheres of Influence

Areas where foreign powers claimed exclusive trading rights and economic privileges in China.

Open Door Policy

Policy proposed by the US to ensure that no single country had a monopoly of trade with China.

Boxer Rebellion

Violent uprising in China in 1900 aimed at expelling foreign influence and missionaries.

Roosevelt Corollary

Expanded the original Monroe Doctrine by asserting that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order.

Expansionism

Belief in expanding a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Hawaii Annexation

Acquisition of Hawaii in 1898 increased U.S. access to Pacific trade and naval bases.

Spanish-American War

Conflict in 1898 that resulted in Spain ceding Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the U.S.

Hay-Pauncefote Treaty

Gave the US the right to build and control a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting America's right to intervene in Latin American affairs.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft’s policy of using economic power to influence Latin American countries.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson’s policy of rejecting diplomacy based on force and protecting human rights in Latin America.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Filipino nationalist who fought for independence from both Spain and the United States.

Open Door Policy

U.S. foreign policy aimed at furthering its commercial interests abroad.

Boxer Rebellion

Uprising in China against foreign influence, suppressed by international forces.

What were the motivations behind American imperialism?

Economic interests, belief in cultural superiority, and desire for military strength and strategic advantages.

How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand the Monroe Doctrine?

It asserted the U.S.'s right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect U.S. interests.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft's policy of using economic influence, particularly loans, to exert control over Latin American countries.

What was the impact of the Spanish-American War on American imperialism?

The U.S. gained territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, expanding its global influence and colonial empire.

Open Door Policy (in relation to Imperialism)

Aimed to maintain free access for American businesses to Chinese markets and prevent any single power from dominating trade.

What role did Alfred Thayer Mahan play in promoting American imperialism?

His book, 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History,' advocated for a strong navy and overseas bases to protect American trade and project power.

How did the annexation of Hawaii contribute to American imperialism?

Hawaii's strategic location and resources were valuable for expanding American influence and control in the Pacific.

What was the significance of the Panama Canal in the context of American imperialism?

It facilitated easier and faster trade routes, bolstering U.S. economic and strategic influence in Latin America.

How did the Platt Amendment affect Cuba's sovereignty during American imperialism?

It allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs, limiting Cuba's independence and securing U.S. interests in the region