Unit #7 Imperialism and Progressivism, 1898-1920

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was fought in 1898 between the United States and Spain. It began largely because of American support for Cuban independence and sensational reporting by yellow journalism. The sinking of the USS Maine increased public support for war. The conflict lasted only a few months and ended with a U.S. victory. As a result, the United States gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war marked America’s emergence as a global imperial power.

American Imperialism

American imperialism refers to the expansion of U.S. political, economic, and military influence beyond its borders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The United States sought overseas territories and markets. Supporters argued imperialism would spread democracy and civilization. Critics believed it contradicted American ideals of self-government. Imperialism led to U.S. control of territories such as the Philippines and Puerto Rico. It reshaped America’s role in world affairs.

Yellow Journalism

Yellow journalism was a style of sensationalized reporting used by newspapers in the late 1800s. Publishers like William Randolph Hearst exaggerated stories to attract readers. These newspapers often printed emotional and misleading headlines. Yellow journalism played a major role in building support for the Spanish-American War. It influenced public opinion and foreign policy. The term highlights the power of media in shaping national decisions.

Philippine Insurrection

The Philippine Insurrection was a rebellion against U.S. rule in the Philippines from 1899 to 1902. Filipino nationalists, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, sought independence after Spanish rule ended. The United States refused to grant independence, leading to violent conflict. The war involved brutal fighting and civilian suffering. The U.S. ultimately defeated the insurgents. This conflict exposed the contradictions of American imperialism.

Insular Cases

The Insular Cases were a series of Supreme Court decisions in the early 1900s. They addressed whether constitutional rights applied to U.S. territories. The Court ruled that full constitutional protections did not automatically extend to all territories. This allowed the U.S. to govern territories without granting full citizenship rights. The decisions justified American imperialism. They shaped the legal status of overseas territories.

The Platt Amendment

The Platt Amendment was passed in 1901 to limit Cuba’s independence after the Spanish-American War. It allowed the United States to intervene in Cuban affairs. The amendment also required Cuba to lease land for U.S. naval bases, including Guantánamo Bay. It ensured American influence over Cuba’s government. Although Cuba was technically independent, U.S. control remained strong. The amendment symbolized American imperial dominance in the Caribbean.

Open Door Policy

The Open Door Policy was a U.S. foreign policy proposed by Secretary of State John Hay in 1899. It aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China for all foreign nations. The policy opposed the division of China into exclusive spheres of influence. While it did not have strong enforcement, it protected U.S. economic interests. It reflected America’s desire for overseas markets. The policy reinforced U.S. involvement in Asian affairs.

Roosevelt Corollary

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine announced by Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. It stated that the United States could intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability. Roosevelt argued this would prevent European intervention. The corollary justified frequent U.S. involvement in the region. It increased American influence in the Western Hemisphere. Many Latin Americans viewed it as imperialistic.

Big Stick Policy

Big Stick Policy was Theodore Roosevelt’s approach to foreign policy. It emphasized diplomacy backed by a strong military. Roosevelt believed the U.S. should negotiate peacefully but be prepared to use force if necessary. This policy was used to justify actions like building the Panama Canal. It strengthened American global power. The phrase reflects Roosevelt’s aggressive diplomacy.

Dollar Diplomacy

Dollar Diplomacy was a foreign policy used primarily under President William Howard Taft. It focused on using American economic investment to influence foreign nations. The U.S. encouraged banks and businesses to invest in Latin America and Asia. This was meant to stabilize regions while protecting American interests. Critics argued it prioritized profits over democracy. The policy increased U.S. economic influence abroad.

Progressive Era

The Progressive Era was a period of reform from the 1890s to the 1920s. Reformers sought to address problems caused by industrialization and urbanization. Progressives worked to reduce corruption, improve working conditions, and regulate businesses. The movement led to government reforms at local, state, and national levels. Journalists, activists, and politicians played key roles. The era expanded the role of government in society.

Settlement House

Settlement houses were community centers established in poor urban areas. They provided services such as education, childcare, and healthcare to immigrants. Jane Addams’ Hull House was a famous example. Settlement houses aimed to improve living conditions. They reflected Progressive Era reform ideals. These centers helped immigrants adjust to American life.

Social Gospel

The Social Gospel was a religious movement that applied Christian ethics to social problems. It encouraged churches to address issues like poverty and inequality. Supporters believed society should reflect Christian values. The movement inspired reform efforts during the Progressive Era. It influenced labor reforms and social welfare programs. The Social Gospel linked religion with social activism.

Muckrakers

Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and injustice. They wrote about issues like unsafe working conditions and political corruption. Writers such as Upton Sinclair raised public awareness. Their work led to government reforms. Muckrakers played a major role in the Progressive Era. They pressured leaders to address social problems.

16, 17, 18, 19 Amendments

The 16th Amendment allowed the federal government to collect an income tax. The 17th Amendment established the direct election of senators. The 18th Amendment banned alcohol through Prohibition. The 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Together, these amendments expanded democracy and federal power. They reflected Progressive Era goals.

Pure Food and Drug Act

The Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906 to protect consumers by regulating food quality. It required accurate labeling of food and medicine. The law was influenced by muckrakers like Upton Sinclair in his work The Jungle. It aimed to prevent unsafe products. This act marked increased government regulation, improving public health and safety.

Square Deal

The Square Deal was Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic policy and distinguished between “good” and “bad” trusts. It focused on fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses. The policy emphasized conservation, regulation, and labor rights. Roosevelt believed the government should intervene in the economy when necessary. The Square Deal expanded federal authority and reflected Progressive ideals different from the Gilded Age.

Anthracite Coal Strike

The Anthracite Coal Strike occurred in 1902 when coal miners demanded better wages and hours. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened in the strike and acted as a neutral mediator. This was the first time a president intervened on behalf of workers. The strike ended with improvements for miners and marks a shift for the government’s role in labor disputes, as government usually sided with big business prior to this era.

Trust-Busting

Trust-busting was the effort to break up monopolies. Theodore Roosevelt used the Sherman Antitrust Act to regulate big businesses. He believed some trusts were harmful to competition and public interest, but some were beneficial. Trust-busting aimed to protect consumers and  strengthened government oversight of corporations. This policy became a key Progressive reform.

Bull Moose Party

The Bull Moose Party was formed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 for the presidential election. It was officially known as the Progressive Party. Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate. The party supported Progressive reforms and split the Republican vote between him and William Howard Taft. This allowed Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidency.

W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois was a civil rights leader and intellectual. He demanded immediate equality for African Americans. Du Bois opposed gradual approaches to civil rights (like Booker T. Washington). He helped found the NAACP along with some white civil rights activists. Du Bois believed in higher education for Black leaders and his ideas shaped the early civil rights movement.

Eugene V. Debs

Eugene V. Debs was a labor leader and socialist. He helped organize the Pullman Strike. Debs supported workers’ rights and socialism and would run in the election of 1912. His ideas challenged capitalism and influenced labor activism. His run for presidency showed how many Americans supported and wanted reform and progressivism

IWW (Industrial Workers of the World)

The IWW was a radical labor union founded in 1905. It aimed to unite all workers, skilled and unskilled, and allowed member ship of women, African Americans, and the Chinese (as opposed to the AFL, who only allowed skilled, native-born, white males). The union used strikes and protests and opposed capitalism. The IWW advocated worker control of industry, and was controversial and faced government repression.

Conservation Movement

The Conservation Movement, led by Theodore Roosevelt, sought to protect natural resources and landscapes. The government created national parks and forests like Yosemite. However, these parks were somewhat manufactured as Native Americans were sometimes run off the land and species who disappeared there were reintroduced. Some people like Gifford Pinchot believed in balancing preservation and development, while others like John Muir believed in totally leaving nature alone. It prevented resource depletion and shaped environmental policy.

Clayton Antitrust Act

The Clayton Antitrust Act was passed in 1914 to strengthen antitrust laws. It clarified illegal business practices that were practiced by misusing the Sherman Antitrust Act during the Gilded Age. The act protected labor unions from being prosecuted as trusts. It expanded government regulation of corporations. It was a major Progressive reform under President Woodrow Wilson.