Context for Imperalism

Manifest Destiny

The belief that God had given the U.S. the right to expand westward from the Atlantic to the Pacific and spread values of democracy, capitalism, and Christianity.

Turner’s Frontier Thesis

An argument made by Jackson Turner that stated the settlement and colonizing of America’s frontier played a crucial role in shaping American culture and democracy.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy created by President Monroe that indicated any attempts made by Europe to colonize the Western Hemisphere would be seen as a hostile act

Ostend Manifesto

A declaration that the U.S. wanted to purchase Cuba from Spain, implying a declaration of war if Spain refused. Seen by many Americans as a way to expand slavery.

Wounded Knee

A brutal event that killed over 250 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. Marked the end of Native American resistance against the U.S. government.

Dawes Severalty Act

Broke up tribal lands into individual plots to assimilate Native Americans into American society. The Natives who accepted the individual plots and farmed on the land were allowed to become US citizens after a certain amount of years.