Imperialism

Imperialism

The economic and political domination of a strong nation over a weaker one.

American Imperialism

Dates back to the early 1800s when Americans began moving West and claiming lands occupied by Native Americans.

New Manifest Destiny

The expansion of the U.S. influence, particularly into Asia and Latin America.

Motives that the US embarked on the New Manifest Destiny

trade into asia and latin america, keep up with europe, become the trade center of the world, build a canal, large naval presence, etc.

Anglo-Saxonism

The idea that English-speaking nations have superior characters, ideas, and systems of government.

Alfred T. Mahan

Naval officer who argued that a strong navy is vital to being a world power. He encouraged congress to build the first navy.

Commodore Matthew Perry

Naval officer who opened Japan to trade with the U.S. in 1853. Because of this, Japan realizes that they must adopt Western ways due to them being the stronger nation.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last sovereign monarch of Hawaii before its overthrow. She fought for the independence and was against the annexation

Reasons to Support Imperialism

Strategic military locations, raw materials, markets, improved healthcare, organized government, and religion.

Reasons Against Imperialism

Disregard for native culture, overseas territories open to attack, exploitation of resources, and costly military maintenance.

Jose Marti

Leader of the Cuban rebellion that unified Cuban exiles in the U.S.

Valeriano Weyler

Spanish general known for implementing concentration camps in Cuba.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated reporting that stirred public emotions and led to readiness for war.

U.S.S. Maine

A U.S. battleship whose explosion in Havana Harbor contributed to the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

Allowed the U.S. to use military force to aid Cuba in gaining independence.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Revolutionary leader in the Philippines who fought against both Spanish and later American imperialism.

The Rough Riders

A group led by Theodore Roosevelt known for their heroism at the Battle of San Juan Hill. This group consisted of tough cowboys, miners, and lawmen.

Treaty of Paris 1898

The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War granted the U.S. control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. As a result of Spain's loss in the war, this treaty stated that Spain must recognize Cuba’s independence.

Platt Amendment

Allowed the U.S. to intervene in or control Cuban affairs and maintain naval bases.

Big Stick Diplomacy

The policy made by Teddy Roosevelt of negotiating peacefully while simultaneously threatening with military might. He stated that the US shouldn’t provoke other nations but be ready to show its military strength. “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Sphere of Influence

A specific area within a country where a foreign nation has special rights and powers.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy that allowed foreign nations to trade freely in each other's spheres of influence in China. This policy was adopted by the US to open trade with China in the late 1800s.

Boxer Rebellion

A Chinese uprising against foreign influence and intervention in the late 1800s.

Russo-Japanese War

Conflict that arose when Japan sought to expand into Asia, leading to a war with Russia. Teddy Roosevelt settled the conflict by negotiating the Treaty of Portsmouth (recognized Japan’s control in Korea in return for halting their push to China).

Monroe Doctrine

U.S. policy stating that European nations must not interfere in the Americas. Such acts would be seen as act of aggression requiring the US to intervene.

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention in Latin America to maintain economic and political stability in the Western Hemisphere.

Panama Canal

A vital waterway constructed to facilitate quicker naval and trade routes between oceans.

Protectorate

A region or state that is politically and militarily controlled by a more powerful nation.

Jingoism

extreme belief that your own country is the best

George Dewey

Commander who led U.S. naval forces to the Philippines and confronted the Spanish Fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Great White Fleet

A fleet of U.S. Navy ships that demonstrated American naval power worldwide.

Dollar Diplomacy

William Howard Taft’s foreign policy which encouraged U.S. investments in foreign nations.

San Juan Hill

Location in Cuba where the Rough Riders gained fame during the Spanish-American War.

Cuban Revolt

Rebellion by Cubans against Spanish rule leading up to the Spanish-American War.

USS Maine Explosion

Incident that served as a catalyst for the Spanish-American War.

Spanish-American War

Conflict between the U.S. and Spain in 1898, primarily over Cuban independence.

Teddy Roosevelt

The U.S. President known for his role in the Spanish-American War and Big Stick Diplomacy.

Treaty of Portsmouth

Negotiated treaty to end the Russo-Japanese War, mediated by Theodore Roosevelt.

Naval Bases

Strategic military locations critical for U.S. operations in the Pacific and Caribbean.

Independent Cuba

Cuba’s status post-Spanish-American War, influenced heavily by U.S. interventions.

Military Expansion

The act of increasing a nation's military capability and presence globally.

Economic Interests

Financial motives behind a nation's foreign policy actions.

Cultural Influence

The impact that one culture exerts over another through various means.

Where the Spanish-American War was fought

Cuba and the Phillipenes

John Hay

Secretary of State that articulated the concept of the Open Door policy in China to open trade.

Annexation

to take possession of an area of land or a country, usually by force or without permission

Where the US first engaged in imperialism

Hawaii and the Philippenes

Reason why the USS Maine was sent

to protect American interests during Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain.

Steps leading to the Spanish-American War

Cuban Revolt, Yellow Journalism, USS Maine Explosion, US Ultimatum and War Declaration