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Big Sister policy

A diplomatic strategy aimed at encouraging Latin American nations to unify under U.S. leadership while simultaneously opening their markets to American trade, fostering economic and political ties.

Great Rapprochement

The period of reconciliation and improved relations between the United States and Britain in the late 19th century, which became a foundational aspect of American foreign policy in the 20th century.

McKinley Tariff

A significant tariff increase enacted in 1890 that raised import duties on Hawaiian sugar, which prompted American planters in Hawaii to advocate for the annexation of the islands to preserve their economic interests.

Insurrectos

Cuban rebels who began an uprising in 1895 against Spanish colonial rule, their fight contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Maine

An American battleship that exploded in Havana harbor in February 1898, an event that intensified anti-Spanish sentiments in the U.S. and was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

An amendment to a resolution declaring war against Spain, stating that the U.S. would grant independence to Cuba following the ousting of Spanish rule, thus protecting the principle of Cuban sovereignty.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Teddy Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, notable for their charge up San Juan Hill, contributing to a pivotal victory against Spanish forces in Cuba.

Anti-Imperialist League

A coalition of individuals and groups formed in the United States after the Spanish-American War, opposing the expansionist policies of the U.S. government, particularly the annexation of territories.

Foraker Act

The legislative act passed in 1900 that established a civil government in Puerto Rico, providing limited self-governance and regulatory authority to the U.S. government.

Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court cases in the early 20th century that determined that constitutional rights were not fully extended to U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

A legislative provision that required Cuba to include specific terms in its constitution to safeguard U.S. interests, including U.S. intervention rights and the establishment of naval bases.

Open Door note

A series of diplomatic messages drafted by John Hay, advocating for equal trading rights among foreign powers in China and promoting the principle of territorial integrity.

Boxer Rebellion

An uprising in China in 1899 initiated by the 'Boxers' opposed to foreign influence and Christian missionary activities, ultimately suppressed by an international coalition.

Hay-Pauncefote Treaty

A treaty signed between the U.S. and Great Britain granting the United States the right to build and fortify a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, facilitating maritime trade.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries in cases of financial instability to maintain order.

Gentlemen's Agreement

An informal agreement reached between the U.S. and Japan (1907-1908) that aimed to curb Japanese immigration to the U.S. by limiting laborer entry while addressing prejudice against Japanese in the U.S.

Root-Takahira agreement

An accord between the U.S. and Japan that affirmed mutual respect for territorial possessions and an agreement to uphold Open Door Policy principles in China.

Josiah Strong

A Protestant clergyman and social reformer who promoted missionary work abroad and believed in the cultural superiority of Anglo-Saxon civilization as a justification for American expansion.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

A U.S. naval officer and historian whose influential writings, especially 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History,' emphasized the strategic importance of naval power in global supremacy.

James G. Blaine

A prominent U.S. politician and Secretary of State who championed the Big Sister policy and played a key role in initiating the first Pan-American Conference, fostering inter-American relations.

Richard Olney

The Secretary of State under President Cleveland known for applying the Monroe Doctrine to prevent British intervention in a Venezuelan boundary dispute.

Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii who attempted to restore the sovereignty and rights of native Hawaiians during the American push for annexation.

'Butcher' Weyler

A Spanish general infamous for his harsh tactics, including concentration camps, used to suppress the Cuban insurgency during the Spanish-American War.

Dupuy de Lôme

The Spanish minister to the U.S. whose derogatory letter criticizing President McKinley inflamed American public opinion against Spain prior to the Spanish-American War.

George Dewey

The U.S. naval commander who led the successful attack against the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War, marking a crucial victory for the U.S.

Emilio Aguinaldo

The revolutionary leader in the Philippines who fought for independence from Spain and later against the United States when their claims to the Philippines were asserted.

William H. Taft

The civil governor of the Philippines known for promoting American governance and later President of the U.S., who played a significant role in international diplomacy.

John Hay

The Secretary of State during the Spanish-American War and a proponent of the Open Door policy, advocating for equal commercial rights in China.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, well-known for his progressive domestic policies and assertive foreign policy, including significant military interventions.

social gospel

A religious movement advocating for social justice reforms based on Christian ethics, urging the church to address social issues such as poverty and working conditions.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption, social injustices, and corporate wrongdoing in the early 20th century, leading to public demand for reform.

Initiative

A process by which voters can propose legislation and submit it for a popular vote on the ballot, empowering citizens in the law-making process.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation.

Recall

A political process wherein voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term through a direct vote.

Australian ballot

A voting method that provides for a secret ballot, designed to reduce corruption and influence over voters during elections.

Muller v. Oregon

A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld a state's right to limit the working hours of women based on public interest and women's health considerations.

Lochner v. New York

A Supreme Court decision that invalidated a New York law limiting bakery workers' hours, citing that it interfered with the right to contract.

Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire

A tragic workplace disaster in 1911 that led to the deaths of 146 workers, highlighting the dire need for labor reforms and improved safety regulations.

Elkins Act

A 1903 federal law designed to combat railroad rebating practices by imposing heavy fines on railroads and shippers that engaged in such behavior.

Meat Inspection Act

A landmark law passed in 1906 that mandated the federal inspection of meat products, ensuring sanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

Pure Food and Drug Act

A law passed in 1906 aimed at preventing the sale of adulterated or mislabeled food and drugs, establishing federal oversight for the protection of consumers.

Hetch Hetchy Valley

A contentious area in Yosemite National Park, representing the conflict between conservationists and development interests over natural resource management.

Panic of 1907

A severe financial crisis triggered by speculation and bank failures, leading to a significant economic downturn that prompted monetary reform in the U.S.

Brownsville Affair

A racially charged incident in 1906 where a group of African American soldiers was wrongfully accused of a shootout, leading to their unjust discharges.

dollar diplomacy

William Howard Taft's foreign policy strategy of using U.S. economic power to further American interests abroad, particularly in Latin America.

Payne-Aldrich Bill

A tariff reform bill that frustrated progressives by raising certain tariffs and failing to enact substantial reductions, seen as a betrayal by Taft's administration.

New Nationalism

The progressive platform advocated by Theodore Roosevelt that called for stronger government regulation of the economy and protections for workers and consumers.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson's campaign slogan and policy platform focused on restoring economic competition and promoting social justice through antitrust reforms.

Ida Tarbell

A pioneering investigative journalist known for her exposé on Standard Oil, which helped fuel the progressive movement's anti-monopoly sentiment.

Henry Demarest Lloyd

An author and journalist critical of monopolies, best known for his book 'Wealth against Commonwealth,' which argued against economic inequality.

Thorstein Veblen

An economist and sociologist known for his critique of the social and economic inequalities associated with capitalism, especially in his book 'The Theory of the Leisure Class.'

Eugene Debs

The leader of the Socialist Party in the U.S. who ran for president multiple times, advocating for workers' rights and social reforms.

Jacob A. Riis

A muckraker and social reformer known for his book 'How the Other Half Lives,' which highlighted the struggles of the urban poor.

Robert M. La Follette

A prominent progressive politician and governor of Wisconsin known for implementing direct democracy reforms and curbing corporate influence in politics.

Hiram W. Johnson

Governor of California and reformist known for his dedication to political reform, especially anti-corruption and the initiative process.

Florence Kelley

A prominent advocate for labor reform who worked tirelessly for the rights of women and children in the workplace, pushing for legislation to improve conditions.

Frances E. Willard

A leading spokesperson for the temperance movement and the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, advocating for women's rights and social reforms.

Giford Pinchot

A prominent conservationist who served as the first Chief of the United States Forest Service, advocating for sustainable forest management practices.

John Muir

A naturalist and environmentalist who founded the Sierra Club and played a key role in the preservation of national parks and wilderness areas in the U.S.

Herbert Croly

A progressive political thinker and journalist who argued for a government actively regulating the economy and ensuring social welfare.

Louis Brandeis

The first Jewish justice appointed to the United States Supreme Court, known for his progressive views on labor rights and social justice.

Victoriano Huerta

A Mexican general who seized power in a coup, his presidency was fraught with violence and strained relations with the United States.

Pancho Villa

A Mexican revolutionary leader known for his guerrilla tactics and efforts against the U.S. and government authority, notably engaging in skirmishes across the border.

Underwood Tariff

A significant piece of legislation enacted in 1913 that lowered tariffs and imposed a graduated income tax, reshaping American fiscal policy.

Federal Reserve Act

The landmark law passed in 1913 establishing the Federal Reserve System as the central bank of the U.S. to regulate the banking industry and control the money supply.

Federal Trade Commission Act (1914)

Legislation that formed the Federal Trade Commission, empowering it to investigate and prevent unfair business practices and promote fair competition.

Clayton Anti-Trust Act (1914)

An expansion of antitrust laws aimed at prohibiting specific anti-competitive practices and protecting labor unions and organizations from being prosecuted.

Holding Companies

Companies created for the purpose of controlling the assets and stock of multiple companies, often utilized to form monopolies.

Workingmen's Compensation Act (1916)

Legislation providing financial assistance to federal employees who suffered disability due to work-related injuries and imposing restrictions on child labor.

Adamson Act (1916)

A law that established an eight-hour workday for interstate railroad workers, designed to improve labor conditions.

Jones Act (1916)

Legislation that granted territorial status to the Philippines, along with a promise of eventual independence for the Philippines.

Tampico Incident

A diplomatic crisis in 1914 where U.S. sailors were detained in Mexico, leading to an escalation of tensions and military intervention by the United States.