U.S. Foreign Policy and Imperialism in the Late 1800s-1900s

Big Sister Policy

U.S. policy under James G. Blaine aimed to increase U.S. leadership and influence in Latin America.

Great Rapprochement

The warming of relations between the U.S. and Britain in the late 1800s.

McKinley

U.S. President during the Spanish-American War; supported expansion and annexation.

Insurrectos

Cuban rebels who fought against Spanish colonial rule in Cuba

Maine (U.S.S. Maine)

Battleship whose explosion in Havana Harbor helped trigger U.S. entry into the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

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

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War, known for their charge up San Juan Hill.

Anti-Imperialist League

Organization that opposed U.S. annexation and imperialist policies on moral, political, constitutional grounds.

Foraker Act

1900 was a U.S. federal law that established a civilian government for Puerto Rico after its acquisition from Spain in the Spanish-American War, replacing military rule with a government that had a presidentially appointed governor, executive council, and judicial system.

Insular Cases

Supreme Court decisions that held full constitutional rights did not automatically extend to all territories under U.S. control.

Platt Amendment

Amendment allowing U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and establishing Guantánamo Bay naval base.

Open Door Note

Diplomatic letters by John Hay advocating equal trade access to China for all powers.

Hay-Pauncefote Treaty

Agreement with Britain giving the U.S. the right to build and control a canal across Central America (Panama).

Roosevelt Corollary

Extension of Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. right to intervene in Latin America to preserve order and sovereignty.

Gentlemen's Agreement

Informal agreement between U.S. and Japan limiting Japanese immigration to the U.S.

Root-Takahira Agreement

U.S.-Japan pact recognizing respect for each other's Pacific possessions and support for the Open Door in China.

Josiah Strong

Clergyman who argued Anglo-Saxons had a moral duty to spread Christianity and "civilize" other peoples.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Naval strategist who emphasized sea power as key to national greatness.

James G. Blaine

Secretary of State who promoted Pan-American cooperation and the Big Sister Policy.

Richard Olney

U.S. Secretary of State who pushed for U.S. involvement in international disputes (e.g. Venezuela dispute with Britain).

Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii who opposed U.S. annexation.

"Butcher" Weyler

Spanish General Valeriano Weyler, known for brutal tactics (reconcentration camps) in Cuba.

Dupuy de Lôme

Spanish ambassador whose private letter criticizing President McKinley was published, angering the U.S.

George Dewey

U.S. naval officer who won the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War

Emilio Aguinaldo

Leader of the Filipino revolts first against Spain and then against U.S. rule.

William H. Taft

U.S. civil governor of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, later U.S. President.

John Hay

U.S. Secretary of State known for the Open Door Policy and "China notes."

Teddy Roosevelt

The president known for the Roosevelt Corollary, Big Stick diplomacy, building the Panama Canal, Rough Riders, etc.