Imperialism Test

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Economic Motives

Refers to the needs for raw materials and new markets for goods that drove industrialized nations to colonize.

Cultural Superiority

Belief in the racial superiority of Western civilization and the duty to 'civilize' other nations, often associated with Social Darwinism.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reports aimed at provoking emotions and influencing public opinion, especially before the Spanish-American War.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy ensuring equal trading rights in China and opposing European spheres of influence.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt that fought in the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

A provision stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

Legislation that allowed U.S. intervention in Cuba’s affairs and established Guantanamo Bay as a U.S. naval base.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft’s foreign policy of using financial investments to extend U.S. influence in Latin America.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson’s approach to foreign policy that focused on promoting democracy and human rights rather than military intervention.

Seward’s Folly

The purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, initially criticized as a mistake but later recognized for its resources.

Great White Fleet

The U.S. Navy's fleet sent around the world by Roosevelt to demonstrate U.S. naval power.

George Dewey

U.S. naval commander known for leading the attack on the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.

Alfred T. Mahan

A U.S. naval officer and historian whose writings emphasized the importance of naval power.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding control of Cuba and other territories to the U.S.