American imperialism

Spanish-American War

Spanish-American War

A war between Spain and the United States fought in 1898. The war began as an intervention by the United States on behalf of Cuba.

Cuba

An island in the Caribbean that became a US protectorate after the Spanish American War.

Yellow Journalism

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers

U.S.S Maine

The battleship sent to Havana to protect Americans and their property; an explosion sank it; killing 260 men. Newspapers said the ship was blown up by Spain and it became a rallying call for war. "Remember the Maine"

Philippines

Sovereign island country in Southeast Asia situated in the western Pacific Ocean. This country was controlled by the US after the Spanish American War. It gained its independence in 1946 (after WWII).

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Puerto Rico

a Caribbean island given to the US by Spain as a payment for the cost of the Spanish American War. It is still a US territory today.

Hawaii

Is an isolated volcanic archipelago in the Central Pacific. U.S. wanted this island for business and so its sugar could be sold in the U.S. duty free, Queen Liliuokalani opposed so Sanford B. Dole overthrew her in 1893, William McKinley convinced Congress to annex the terriitory in 1898

Queen Liliuokalani

The last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She took the throne in 1891 following the death of her brother, King Kalakaua. She was a strong voice for native Hawaiians, whose power had been limited by the increasing influence of U.S. settlers in Hawaii.

Spheres of Influence

A country or area in which another country has power to affect developments although it has no formal authority.

"Open Door" Policy

Is a term in foreign affairs initially used to refer to the United States policy established in the late 19th century and the early 20th century, as enunciated in Secretary of State John Hay's Open Door Note, dated September 6, 1899 Message delivered by John to the nations of the world, begging them to respect Chinese rights and influence in the spirit of fair competition.

Panama Canal

a quicker passage to the Pacific from the Atlantic and vice versa. It cost $400,000,000 to build. Columbians would not let Americans build the canal, but then with the assistance of the United States a Panamanian Revolution occurred. The new ruling people allowed the United States to build the canal.

Russo-Japanese War

War between Russia and Japan over Manchuria. At the request of Japan, President Theodore Roosevelt helped to negotiate a peace treaty (Treaty of Portsmouth). Japan emerged from the war as a super power; the strongest country in East Asia and a rival to the United States for influence in China and the Pacific region.

Great White Fleet

Four squadrons of battleships sent by President Roosevelt on a 43,000 mile, around the world journey in an effort to impress Japan and the rest of the world. The fleet was commanded by Rear Admiral Charles Sperry and stopped in 20 ports on six continents, including a port in Japan before returning home in 1909. This mission was in an effort to "show boat" the U.S. Navy and establish a symbol of power and prestige. Although, the United States was not engaged in warfare, the U.S. wanted to establish the point that it had a strong and powerful navy and was ready to jump to battle at a moments notice.

Protectorate

a country under the control and protection of another country (The Platt Amendment made Cuba a U.S. protectorate)

colony

a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.

Military Power

Military desire for naval bases and refueling stations

Economic Growth

Desire for new markets and raw materials

Cultural Superiority

the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture

Social Darwinism... only the strongest nations would survive if competing against each other. In addition, ideas that it was a social responsibility to "civilize" inhabitants of less developed countries and a moral duty to convert others to Protestant Christianity.

annexation

the formal act of acquiring something (especially territory) by conquest or occupation

Alaska

purchased from Russia 1867 for $7.2 million

Big Stick Diplomacy

The policy held by Teddy Roosevelt in foreign affairs. The "big stick" symbolizes his power and readiness to use military force if necessary. It is a way of intimidating countries without actually harming them.

Dollar Diplomacy

Foreign policy created under President Taft that had the U.S. exchanging financial support ($) for the right to "help" countries make decisions about trade and other commercial ventures. Basically it was exchanging money for political influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Moral Diplomacy

Foreign Policy of Woodrow Wilson. Stated the US would only support countries who had the same economic and democratic beliefs as the USA. Wanted to spread democracy and capitalism.

Roosevelt Corollary

Roosevelt's 1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States has the right to protect its economic interests in South And Central America by using military force