Imperialism and US Foreign Policy

Key vocabulary terms related to imperialism, the Spanish-American War, and US foreign policy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Imperialism

Policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

The Influence of Sea Power upon History

A book written by Alfred Thayer Mahan that expressed imperialist views.

Yellow Press/Yellow Journalism

Technique for selling more newspapers by sensationalizing and exaggerating news events to lure and enrage readers.

Spanish-American War

War brought about by a desire to help Cuban rebels gain independence from Spain, preserve American economic interests, and yellow journalism.

Teller Amendment

Amendment to the war resolution that authorized the Spanish-American War, ensuring the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the war.

Anti-Imperialists

Americans who opposed imperialism.

Platt Amendment

Provisions the U.S. required the Cubans to adopt into their new constitution.

Open Door Policy

Letters sent by U.S. Secretary of State Hay proposing equal trading rights for all nations throughout China.

Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)

Peace treaty negotiated by President Theodore Roosevelt between Russia and Japan.

Panama Canal

Canal across the Isthmus of Panama built by the United States that created a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Big Stick

Roosevelt’s foreign policy based on negotiating peacefully while simultaneously threatening with the military.

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating the U.S. would use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.