TIME PERIOD 7

American Imperialism

The economic, military, and cultural influence of the United States on other countries and areas, most notably the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. The United States desired to be on equal footing with the European world powers with respect to economic and military influence, a desire that could only be satiated through the acquisition of lands beyond the North American continent.

Alfred T. Mahan

Author who argued that the economic future of the United States rested on new overseas markets protected by a larger navy. Wrote "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History" (1890), desiring that the United States would increase its imperialistic practices.

Racial Social Darwinism

The theory that some ethnic groups are genetically superior to and have a right to dominate others. This concept was used to justify American imperialism toward areas that had predominantly non-white populations. This idea also led to the concept of a "Hierarchy of Race".

The White Man's Burden

The idea that western countries have a duty to spread their religion and culture to less civilized non-white groups. Used to justify American and European imperialism.

Rudyard Kipling

English writer and poet; defined the "white man's burden" as the duty of European and Euro-American peoples to bring order and enlightenment to distant lands.

Commodore Matthew Perry

A navy commander who, on July 8, 1853, became the first foreigner to break through the barriers that had kept Japan isolated from the rest of the world for 250 years. He opened Japan up for trade with the United States.

Lodge Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1912)

Non-European powers, like Japan, would be excluded from colonization and the ownership of territory in the Western Hemisphere. An extension of the Monroe Doctrine.

Seward's Folly

Secretary of State William Seward's negotiation of the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 was at the time thought of as a mistake, but the "ice box" turned out to be the best bargain since the Louisiana purchase, due to the finding of Gold (1899) and eventually oil. Alaska also has plentiful lumber and fish.

Imperialism of Hawaii

The wealthy white American descendants of Missionaries in Hawaii staged a rebellion against the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. A year later, Hawaii was proclaimed a republic by the new white ruling class, and four years later (1898) the United States annexed the islands. Hawaii was good for the United States because its climate was ideal for farming sugar cane and pineapples, two cash crops. Hawaii was also capable of acting as a checkpoint for the U.S. Navy into the Pacific Ocean.

Queen Liliuokalani

Hawaiian queen who was forced out of power through a revolution started by American business owners.

Fredrick Jackson Turner

Historian during the 1890s who wrote the Frontier Thesis, which argued that the continuous existence of the American frontier had shaped the character of the nation, and the end of this frontier marked the end of the first chapter in American history. This thesis led to Americans seeing imperialism as necessary to the nation's spirit.

Valeriano "The Butcher" Weyler

Spanish General in Cuba who herded many civilians into barbed-wire reconcentration camps so they could not help the insurrectionists. Called "The Butcher", because hundreds of thousands of people died in his camps. His work morally disgusted the American public, smoothing the road to war.

Reconcentration Policy

During the Cuban insurrections (1895 - 1898), rural Cubans were herded into camps by the Spanish authorities to prevent them from giving aid or recruits to the Cuban rebels who were fighting for independence from Spain. These Camps resulted in a horrific number of deaths.

Yellow Journalism

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or sensationalizes the news to attract readers. Used extensively by American papers in regard to Spain's mistreatment of Cuba.

Jingoism

Extreme, chauvinistic patriotism, often favoring an aggressive, warlike foreign policy.

Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst

Two newspaper publishers who achieved mass circulation through sensational news coverage. They often competed for readers which lead to the use of yellow journalism.

De Lôme Letter (1898)

The Spanish ambassador insults the U.S. government in this document; Criticized President McKinley as weak and a bidder for the administration of the crowd, besides being a would-be politician who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes in his party.

This heightened tensions between the United States and Spain.

Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt

26th president, known for fighting in Cuba during the Spanish American War, conservationism, trust-busting, the Hepburn Act (anti-railroad monopoly policy (1906)), safe food regulations, the "Square Deal," the Panama Canal, the Great White Fleet, the Nobel Peace Prize, and for negotiation of peace in the Russo-Japanese War. His energetic and eccentric personality led him to be an American hero.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot, but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose."

The Rough Riders

The First United States Volunteer Calvary, a mixture of Ivy League athletes and western frontiersmen, volunteered to fight in the Spanish-American War. Enlisted by Theodore Roosevelt, they won many battles in Florida and enlisted in the invasion army of Cuba.

The Sinking of the Maine (1898)

On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine battleship exploded in Havana Harbor. The yellow press accused Spain of blowing up the ship even though experts later concluded that the explosion was probably an accident. This event was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the United States declared war on Spain shortly after. "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!"

The Spanish American War (1898)

"That Splendid Little War" - War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. The United States intervened "on behalf of" Cuba and the Philippines, but really wanted to establish itself in the Pacific. It lasted less than 3 months and resulted in Cuba's independence as well as the U.S. annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. the United States became a world power as a result of the war, and Theodore Roosevelt grew into an American hero along with his Rough Riders.

Commodore George Dewey

Followed Teddy Roosevelt's order to attack Spanish forces in the Philippines when war was declared; completely destroyed the Spanish fleet stationed at Manila Bay on May 1, 1898; was immediately promoted to admiral, becoming the first hero of the war; his victory shed light on the adjusted purpose of the war with Spain from just freeing Cuba, to stripping Spain of all of its colonies. "Dewey Captures Manila!"

Emilio Aguinaldo

Leader of the Filipino independence movement against Spain (1895-1898). He proclaimed the independence of the Philippines in 1899, but his movement was crushed and he was captured by the United States Army in 1901. The U.S. killed at least 200,000 Filipinos in their campaign to crush the rebels.

American Anti-Imperialist League

Coalition of anti-imperialist groups united in 1899 to protest American territorial expansion, especially in the Philippine Islands; Its membership included prominent politicians, industrialists, labor leaders, and social reformers. The cause of anti-imperialism united the unlikeliest of characters, such as Andrew Carnegie and Samuel Gompers.

William Howard Taft

27th president of the U.S.; originally brought to light for the Spanish American War, he angered progressives by moving cautiously toward reforms and by supporting the Payne-Aldrich Tariff; he lost Roosevelt's support after utilizing Dollar Diplomacy, and not Roosevelt's Big Stick policy, and also for the Ballinger-Pinchot Affair, so he was defeated for a second term. He was not a dynamic politician, and he never felt completely comfortable as president. He also technically busted more trusts than Roosevelt.

Sphere of Influence

An area in which an outside power claims exclusive investment or trading privileges.

The Treaty of Paris (1898)

The treaty that concluded the Spanish American War, Commissioners from the U.S. were sent to Paris on October 1, 1898 to produce a treaty that would bring an end to the war with Spain after six months of hostility. From the treaty the United States got Guam, Puerto Rico, and they paid 20 million dollars for the Philippines. Cuba was freed from Spain.

Platt Amendment (1903)

Legislation that severely restricted Cuba's sovereignty and gave the U.S. special privileges:

- Cuba is under U.S. surveillance
- The U.S. could intervene in Cuban affairs
- Cuba must lease Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. for naval and coating station
- Cuba must not build an excessive public debt

Foraker Act (1900)

Gave the Puerto Ricans a limited degree of popular government, as full American integration was denied.

Jones Act (1917)

Granted Puerto Ricans US citizenship and gave them the right to elect both houses of their legislature.

Dr. Walter Reed

Doctor who was the head of the Army's Yellow Fever Commission. He proved that Yellow Fever and Malaria where transmitted by Mosquitoes. Pivotal step in the development of a Malaria vaccine.

Colonel W. Goethals

U.S. Army General who was in charge of the construction of the Panama Canal (1903 - 1914).

Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1903)

In 1903, the Panamanian government signed this treaty with the United States. It granted the U.S. all rights to the 51-mile-long and 10-mile-wide Canal Zone, in exchange for U.S. protection. With this treaty, the Panama Canal began to undergo construction.

The Panama Canal

Started under Theodore Roosevelt and constructed under Colonel W. Goethals, this ship canal runs 40 miles long across the Isthmus of Panama. Before, one would have to sail around the tip of South America or cross the Americas by land to reach the Pacific Ocean, but this canal connected the two great oceans, facilitating trade. Many workers died during the canal's construction from tropical diseases.

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1905)

This addition to the Monroe Doctrine declared that the United States has the authority to and responsibility of protecting the rights of the people who live in all the Americas, north, central, and south. The United States essentially became the police force of the western hemisphere. "Chronic wrongdoing... may in America, as elsewhere, ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation..."

"Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick"

This quote refers to Roosevelt's diplomacy, which was marked by aggressive foreign policy. "big stick" \= the US Navy

The Great White Fleet

1907-1909 - Roosevelt sent the Navy on a world tour to show the nations abroad the superiority of U.S. Naval power. They Completed the first circumnavigation of the world. Proved to the European powers and Japan that the United States was also a powerful contender.

The Boxer Rebellion (1900)

In an effort to expel foreign influence from their country, a secret patriotic group of Chinese called the "Boxers" (or the "Peaceful Harmonious Fists") revolted against all foreigners in their midst. In the process of laying siege to foreign legations in Beijing hundreds of missionaries and foreign diplomats were murdered. Several nations including the United States sent military forces to quell the rebellion. American participation was seen as a violation of its noninvolvement policies (isolationism). Response to western imperialism.

The Righteous Harmonious Fists

Violent group of secret societies also known as the Boxers that opposed the Western imperialism and taking of spheres of influence in China.

The Open Door Policy

Statement of U.S. foreign policy toward China. Issued by U.S. secretary of state John Hay (1899), the statement reaffirmed the principle that all countries should have equal access to any Chinese port open to trade. No spheres of influence.

Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)

In 1905, the United States mediated the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Negotiating the treaty in the U.S. instead of Paris increased U.S. prestige. Roosevelt received a Nobel Peace Prize for the mediation.

Taft's Dollar Diplomacy

A form of American foreign policy to further its aims in Latin America and East Asia through the use of its economic power and big business by guaranteeing loans made to foreign countries. Instead of getting other countries to cooperate with the U.S. through the use of the military (speak softly and carry a big stick), other countries could be bribed. This foreign policy is widely seen as a failure.

Wilson's Moral Diplomacy

The U.S. had a duty to promote democracy in Latin nations in order to prevent war and revolution. The U.S. should be the conscience of the world.

How the Other Half Lives (1890)

A book by John Riis that told the public about the lives of immigrants and those who live in tenements, these people being blue-collar urban workers. The book was very graphic and caused people to re-evaluate tenement houses, decrepit compounds that were usually filthy and infested with rats and disease.

Urban Gangs

Widespread police corruption in cities like New York City led poor working-class communities to resort to criminal gangs as a form of protection.

Muckrakers

Journalists who attempted to find corruption or wrongdoing in industries and expose it to the public, insighting outrage and eventually reform. The backbone of the progressive movement.

Upton Sinclair

Muckraker who shocked the nation when he published The Jungle, a novel that revealed gruesome details about the meat packing industry in Chicago. His actions led to government food and drug reform.

The Jungle (1906)

Novel published in 1906 that portrayed the filthy conditions in Chicago's meatpacking industry and led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act (1906). The plot follows a Lithuanian immigrant hoping to take advantage of America as the land of opportunity, only to be met with swindlers, cheats, and terrible conditions everywhere he goes. As he and his family struggle to survive, family members begin to die one by one, as various calamities befall them. Eventually, after he has nothing left, the man resorts to a life of crime, only to rediscover hope when he stumbles across a Socialist rally. The book was meant to be a commentary on working conditions, but the American public focused on the descriptions of the meat packing industry in particular.

Federal Meat Inspection Act (1906)

Enforced some federal inspection and mandated sanitary conditions in all companies selling meat in interstate commerce; Helped restore public confidence in meat packing industry and raise profits; Hurt smaller companies somewhat.

Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

This act prohibited the manufacture, sale, or shipment of impure or falsely labeled food and drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration

A federal agency in the Department of Health and Human Services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products.

Lincoln Steffens

Early muckraker who exposed the political corruption in many American cities. He criticized the trend of urbanization with a series of articles under the title The Shame of the Cities (1904).

Ida Tarbell

A leading muckraker and magazine editor, she exposed the corruption and crime of the oil industry with her 1904 work, A History of the Standard Oil Company.

The Social Gospel

Movement led by Washington Gladden - taught that Christianity and love for one's neighbor would help the middle class overcome the problems of industrialization. The antithesis to Social Darwinism.

Christianity and the Social Crisis (1907)

Walter Rauschenbusch's book in which he justified the Social Gospel movement and claimed that the church is able to morally upkeep society through their actions; Also said that the future of religion lies in the hands of the people.

Jane Addams

Founder of the Settlement House Movement, she established her "Hull House" in Chicago (1889) for recently arrived European immigrants. First American Woman to earn the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 as president of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Robert Lafollette

Republican Senator from Wisconsin - ran for president under the Progressive Party - proponent of Progressivism and a vocal opponent of railroad trusts, bossism, World War I, and the League of Nations. Politicians such as this man believed that the United States could be reformed without a violent reordering of the American government, like socialists and communists advocated for.

The Wisconsin Idea

A policy promoted by Republican governor Robert Lafollette of Wisconsin for greater government intervention in the economy, with reliance on experts, particularly progressive economists, for policy recommendations.

Susan B. Anthony

Social reformer who campaigned for women's rights, temperance, and abolition; Helped form the National Woman Suffrage Association.

Progressive Election Reforms

The Early 20th century saw various reforms to the American political system which aimed to make electoral processes more democratic.

- Tried to put more power in the hands of the people
- The Direct Primary (voters choose a party's presidential candidate, not the leaders of the party)
- Initiative, Referendum, Recall (1913)
- The Secret Ballot
- Direct Election of Senators (1912)
- The Vote for Women (The 19th Amendment (1920))

Muller v. Oregon (1908)

Case that upheld protective legislation on how long women could legally work grounded on women's physical weakness. Women deserved protection because of their status as potential mothers.

Bunting V. Oregon (1917)

A ten-hour workday for men was upheld by the supreme court.

Mann Act (1910)

Antiprostitution measure; Prohibited transporting a woman across state lines for "immoral purposes".

Prohibition (18th Amendment)

Often referred to as "the Noble Experiment", this piece of legislation banned the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Its roots can be found in the temperance movement of the late 1800s Progressive Era. It became increasingly unpopular and was eventually repealed. However, it did lower the amount of drinking in the United States.

City Beautification Movement

Stressed the importance of including public parks and attractive boulevards in the designs of cities. A reaction against the built-up filth and general distatse of the urban industrial areas.

The NAACP

Interracial organization founded in 1909 to abolish segregation and discrimination, and to take hold of political and civil rights for African Americans. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

16th Amendment

1913 - Amendment to the United States Constitution that gave Congress the power to tax income. Was justified on the basis that progressive reforms required more money.

17th Amendment

1913 - Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures).

18th Amendment

1919 - Prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Overturned in 1933.

19th Amendment

1920 - Extended the right to vote to women in federal or state elections.

McKinley's Assassination

President William McKinley was killed by an anarchist angered about working conditions. The president's death brought the vice president to assume his duties, thus Theodore Roosevelt became the president of the United States.

The Bully Pulpit

The president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public.

The Square Deal

1902 - Economic policy by Roosevelt that favored fair relationships between companies and workers.

- Conservation of natural resources
- Control of corporations
- Consumer protection

The Ballinger-Pinchot Affair (1911)

Ballinger, who was the Secretary of the Interior, opened public lands in Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska against Roosevelt's conservation policies. Pinchot, who was the Chief of Forestry, supported former President Roosevelt and demanded that President Taft dismiss Ballinger. Taft, who supported Ballinger, dismissed Pinchot on the basis of insubordination. This divided the Republican Party, and eventually allowed the Democrats to get the upper hand for the first time since Grover Clevland (1897).

The Bull Moose Party

A name given to the Progressive Party, formed to support Theodore Roosevelt's candidacy for the presidency in 1912. This would have been Roosevelt's third term.

Ida B. Wells

African American journalist/muckraker who published statistics about lynching; Urged African Americans to protest by refusing to ride streetcars or shop in white-owned stores.

Hepburn Act (1906)

This act tightened existing railroad regulations. Empowered the Interstate Commerce Commission to set maximum railroad rates and to examine railroad's financial records. Passed under the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt as part of his campaign to curb big business.

Underwood Tariff Act (1913)

Passed under Woodrow Wilson's administration, this act lowered tariffs on imported goods and established a graduated income tax.

Federal Reserve Act (1913)

Passed under Woodrow Wilson's administration, this act created a central banking system, consisting of twelve regional banks governed by the Federal Reserve Board. It was an attempt to provide the United States with a sound yet flexible currency. The Board it created still plays a vital role in the American economy today.

Clayton Antitrust Act (1914)

Passed under Woodrow Wilson's administration, this act strengthened the Sherman Antitrust Act by spelling out specific activities businesses could not do. Curbed big business.

The MAIN Causes for WWI

Militarism - European countries competed against their neighbors to have the best and most expansive military.
Alliances - Alliances formed by the European powers (The Triple Entente and the Triple Alliance) forced one country to help its official ally if it declared war, making regional conflicts continent wide.
Imperialism - The European Powers competed for control over Africa and Asia in their colonial pursuits. This bred distrust and bitterness.
Nationalism - The advent of nationalism brought the common people to be deeply proud and loyal to the intangible idea of their country, and to set it apart as better than others.

U.S. Reasons for Entering WWI

- Economic Ties: The U.S. sent cotton and other goods to Great Britain and France, So the top 1% wanted to enter war so they wouldn't lose their markets.
- Cultural Ties: Great Britain spoke English and was culturally similar to the United States.

- The sinking of Lusitania: British ship with 128 Americans on board. German submarines sunk it with goods and weapons on it that US had sold to Britain
- Zimmerman Telegram (1917): Germany sent a telegraph to Mexico asking them to enter the war and promising U.S. states to Mexico. Mexico declined and the code was cracked and published nationally
- A last resort to end the war.

The Lusitania (1915)

A British passenger ship that was sunk by a German U-Boat on May 7, 1915. 128 Americans died. The sinking greatly turned American opinion against the Germans, helping the move towards entering the war.

The Zimmerman Telegraph (1917)

German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmerman had secretly proposed a German-Mexican alliance against the United States. When the note was intercepted and published in March 1917, it caused an uproar that made some Americans more willing to enter the war.

WWI Propoganda

The government used media, especially posters, to instill a pro war mentality in the American mind. Messages that where advertised included the glorification of the US army and the demonetization of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire).

Selective Service Act (1917)

(WWI) This Act required all men between 21-30 years to register for the military. Each received a number, and draftees were chosen like a lottery.

24,000,000 men registered for the draft by the end of 1918.

400,000 African Americans served in segregated units.

15,000 Native Americans served as scouts, messengers, and snipers.

Council of National Defense

Organization composed of Wilson's cabinet members, which he established in 1916 to organize the economy to meet war needs. They proposed to divide the economy by organizing a series of planning bodies, who would each supervise a branch of the economy.

-War Industries Board
-Food Administration
-Railroad Administration
-National War Labor Board

U.S. Food Administration

The governmental group that organized the delivery of food to soldiers and citizens in allied countries. Led by Herbert Hoover, it encouraged the conservation of resources and food in order to help decrease the starvation rate of soldiers and citizens abroad.

National War Garden Commission

WWI era organization that encouraged people to grow crops at home with their own "victory gardens", allowing the food farms' produce to be sent to the troops.

U.S. Shipping Board

Organization created in 1916 to revitalize the US merchant fleet. It built new ships, operated captured German ships, and established a merchant marine.

U.S. Fuel Administration

This organization introduced daylight saving time, rations for coal and oil, and imposed gasless days in order to conserve fuel for the war effort. (WWI)

Results of Wilson's Council of National Defense

1. Unemployment virtually disappeared

2. Expansion of "big government"

3. Excessive government regulations in the economy

4. Unprecedented opportunities for disadvantaged groups

The Role of Women during WWI

Women took jobs previously held by men who joined the Great War, showing more independence than in previous years. The government leaned into this development and printed propaganda encouraging women to continue their work.

Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)

An organization begun by the Ladies' Christian Association in 1858 to meet the needs of young women, including safe affordable housing, employment assistance, and recreation.

War Bonds

Existing since 1917, these short-term loans that individual citizens made to the government financed the war effort (WWI and WWII).

The Great Migration

Movement of over 300,000 African American from the rural south into northern cities between 1914 and 1920. Migrating African Americans helped the war effort by working in northern factories and enlisting into segregated units.

George Creel

Headed the "Committee of Public Information", for promoting the war effort in WWI. He is often regarded as the United States' propaganda minister, as he promoted anti-Germanism and American culture through posters and film.

Espionage Act (1917)

This WWI-era federal act forbade actions that obstructed recruitment or efforts to promote insubordination in the military. The postmaster General was ordered to remove Leftist materials from the mail. Punishments for breaking this law included fines of up to $10,000 and/or up to 20 years in jail.

Seen as a first amendment violation.

Sedition Act (1918)

WWI wartime law that prohibited any words or behavior that might promote resistance to the United States or help in the cause of its enemies. It became criminal to speak out against the purchase of war bonds or to criticize/disrespect the army or the constitution.

Seen as a first amendment violation.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

A legal case in which it was ruled that government can limit free speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

This case is where we get the idea that "The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic." - Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes