Imperialism Debates and the Spanish-American War

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the debates over imperialism and the Spanish-American War.

Imperialism

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

William H. Seward

Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869, known for advocating U.S. territorial expansion, including the purchase of Alaska.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. foreign policy principle that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention in the western hemisphere would be seen as a threat.

Purchase of Alaska (1867)

Acquisition of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, often referred to as 'Seward's Folly' for its initial perceived lack of value.

Hawaiian Islands

Refers to the U.S. annexation of Hawaii, influenced by American settlers and strategic military interests, notably Pearl Harbor.

The Era of 'New Imperialism'

A period in the late 19th century characterized by aggressive territorial expansion by western powers, including the U.S.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

U.S. Navy officer whose writings on naval strategy emphasized the importance of sea power in global politics.

Darwinism

A theory of biological evolution applied in this context to justify imperialism by suggesting that stronger nations had a right to dominate weaker ones.

Josiah Strong

A Protestant clergyman who believed in the racial superiority of Anglo-Saxons and promoted American expansionism as a duty to civilize others.

Anti-Imperialism

A movement opposing the acquisition of overseas territories by the U.S., advocating for self-determination for all nations.

Pan-American Conference (1889)

An international conference that aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation among American nations.

Teller Amendment

A 1898 provision that declared the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment (1901)

An amendment added to the Cuban constitution, allowing the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintaining a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Dollar Diplomacy

A foreign policy adopted by President Taft that sought to further U.S. interests in Latin America through financial investments and economic influence.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson's approach to foreign policy emphasizing moral principles and democracy over imperialism.

Open Door Policy

A diplomatic policy proposed by the U.S. to ensure equal trade opportunities in China for all nations.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain, resulting in U.S. interventions in Cuba and the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court cases that determined the constitutional rights of U.S. territories acquired after the Spanish-American War.

Great White Fleet

A U.S. Navy fleet of battleships that sailed around the world from 1907 to 1909 to showcase American naval power.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American nations to maintain stability.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign uprising in China in 1900, which was suppressed by an international coalition including the U.S.