Topic 4: America Comes of Age (1890-1920)

Imperialism

Political, military, and economic domination of strong nations over weaker nations.

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Commodore Matthew Perry

The naval officer who traveled to Japan and won the emperor's favor, opening trade with the U.S.

Purchase of Alaska

The 1876 acquisition of Alaska from Russia, which doubled the size of the U.S. and provided access to natural resources.

Queen Lilioukalani

The first and only Hawaiian queen who was overthrown in 1893 and tried to regain control over Hawaii.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 that resulted from U.S. support of Cuba's fight for independence from Spain.

Yellow Press

Newspapers that used sensational headlines and exaggerated stories to promote readership.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement that officially ended the Spanish-American War, with Spain ceding Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and selling the Philippines to the U.S.

Filipino Insurrection

An uprising led by Emilio Aguinaldo against U.S. control in the Philippines following their purchase from Spain.

Open Door Policy

The U.S. statement aiming for trade rights in China without seeking colonies.

Boxer Rebellion

A violent uprising in China aimed at ending foreign influence, which prompted foreign intervention.

Great White Fleet

A fleet of battleships sent by President Roosevelt in 1907 on a goodwill cruise around the world.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Roosevelt's policy of using military force only when necessary to achieve American goals.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Panama.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. would intervene in Latin America to prevent European intervention.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft's approach to extending American influence abroad through economic means.

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson’s policy of promoting human rights and self-determination instead of using military force.