US Imperialism

Imperialism

A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially, and economically.

Yellow Journalism

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers

USS Maine

U.S. Battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898; Evidence suggests an internal explosion, however Spanish military was framed by Yellow Journalism. The incident was a catalyst for the Spanish American War

Treaty of Paris

(1898) treaty that ended the Spanish American war. Provided that Cuba be free from Spain.

Panama Canal

a ship canal 40 miles long across the Isthmus of Panama built by the United States (1904-1914)

Manifest Destiny

A notion held by a nineteenth-century Americans that the United States was destined to rule the continent, from the Atlantic the Pacific.

Monroe Doctrine

A statement of foreign policy which proclaimed that Europe should not interfere in affairs within the United States or in the development of other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Isolationism

A policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations

Roosevelt Corollary

Addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting America's right to intervene in Latin American affairs

Big Stick Diplomacy

The policy held by Teddy Roosevelt in foreign affairs. The "big stick" symbolizes his power and readiness to use military force if necessary. It is a way of intimidating countries without actually harming them.

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Teller Amendment

Legislation that promised the US would not annex Cuba after winning the Spanish-American war

Social Darwinism

The belief that only the fittest survive in human political and economic struggle. Throughout history, people believed that the white people were most fit to thrive in society.