Imperialism

Alaskan Purchase

Acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867, also known as Seward's Folly.

Seward's Folly

A nickname for the Alaskan Purchase, reflecting criticism of the transaction.

Important Imperialists

Notable figures in American imperialism, including Alfred Thayer Mahan and Josiah Strong.

Frontier Thesis

Frederick Jackson Turner's assertion that the American frontier was closed after the 1890 census.

Hawaiian coup

The 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani by American sugar planters.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

American naval officer who argued for a strong Navy as essential for national greatness.

Josiah Strong

Protestant minister who promoted American expansion as a moral duty.

Spanish-American War

A conflict that marked a significant shift in American foreign policy driven by imperialist ideals.

De Lôme Letter

A letter from a Spanish diplomat criticizing President McKinley, which fueled public outrage.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, granting U.S. control over several territories.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights in China established in 1899.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. military intervention rights in Latin America.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's policy of using financial investment to influence Latin America rather than military force.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson's approach to support governments that embodied democratic values while opposing imperialism.

Imperialists

Proponents of expansionism for promoting American values and securing resources.

Anti-Imperialists

Opponents of imperialism who argued against subjugating other nations on moral grounds.

Anti-Imperialist League

A group organized to oppose U.S. imperialism, emphasizing constitutional and anti-colonial arguments.