US Imperialism Vocab

US History UHS

Josiah Strong

protestant clergyman and author, promoting “Anglo-Saxon Superiority”, and that the US had the mission to spread western civilization and Christianity globally

Alfred Thayer Mahan

US naval officer who wrote “the influence of Sea Power Upon History” (1890), arguing that national power is reliant on a good maritime power. He influenced naval policies and expansion.

Acquisition of Hawaii

US acquired in 1898 for a potential naval base

Butcher Weyler

Spanish official sent to suppress Cuban rebellion in 1890s, used harsh tactics and exposed Cuban weakness

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated reporting in newspapers to stir public support for the Spanish-American war, often graphic and “misleading” stories

De Lome Letter

Written by Spanish Ambassador to US, criticizing US President McKinley. This angered the American public and was a cause for the war with Spain

“Remember the Maine”

Slogan used to rally support for Spanish-American War. It referred to the explosion of the U.S. battleship “Maine” in Havana Harbor that was blamed on Spain

Teller Amendment

Passed in 1898 stating that the United States could NOT annex Cuba, allowing Cuba to govern themselves. This solidified that the US hand no intentions of colonizing Cuba

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry led by Teddy Roosevelt in the Spanish-American war. Consisted of cowboys, volunteers, athletes, and people of all backgrounds.

White Man’s Burden

The idea that the western powers had a duty to “civilize” non-western powers- a justification for the imperialism in the United States and some other European countries

Foraker Act

(1900) Established a civilian government in Puerto Rico AFTER it ceded to the United States by Spain post Spanish-American war. The US could appoint its governor and establish a local government, but Puerto Ricans weren’t citizens of the US

Platt Amendment

(1901) Added to the Cuban Constitution that restricted Cuba’s ability to make its own treaties. This gave the US more control over the country and let them intervene in Cuba’s affairs

Benevolent Assimilation

Enacted by President McKinley in 1898 to make the US look like a “benevolent power”. It was used when America annexed the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, with goals of “civilizing” and bringing democracy there

Open Door Policy

Ensured that all nations apart of this treaty would have equal trading rights in China with no single country dominating in their respective markets. This was a key power grab in US foreign policy and helped establish their “Sphere of Influence” in China

Big Stick Policy

Teddy Roosevelt’s idea that military strength is a good way to maintain order, that negotiating peacefully is a priority, but that a strong country should be able to use force if needed

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic to Pacific, was completed in 1914- seen as a key strategic and commercial route for the United States

Roosevelt Corollary

(1904) And addition to the Monroe Doctrine, saying America could intervene in Latin America countries to keep stability. This was also to prevent European influence, to justify US interventions in countries like Cuba and Dominican Republic

Russo-Japanese War

(1904-05) Conflict between Russia and Japan over control of Manchurian and Korean land

Gentleman’s Agreement

(1907) An informal agreement between US and Japan where Japan agreed to limit their number of immigrants to the United States in exchange for America desegregating its schools in California- where Japanese students were facing discrimination

Great White Feet

A group of United States navy ships that were sent on a 2-year tour around the globe to showcase the power of the US navy- asserting American influence

Seward’s Ice Box (Alaska Purchase)

Secretary of State William Seward, in 1867 purchased this land from Russia for $7 million for a coaling station

Teller Amendment

US stated it would NOT annex (take Canada)

Effects of Spanish American War

Cuba is independent, US has Hawaii+ Guam+ Puerto Rico, US gets respect as a world power, Chinese Open Door Policy

Big Stick Policy

Teddy Roosevelt’s nationalist and aggressive approach to protect US interests using military might, saying the nation needed to “speak softly and carry a big stick.”