Foreign Policy DBQ

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the U.S. is inherently different from other nations due to its democratic ideals and history.

Interventionism

A policy of non-defensive proactive activity by a nation-state to manipulate an economy or society.

Isolationism

A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.

Realism

Politics based on practical and material factors (power, economics, security) rather than theoretical or ethical objectives.

Idealism

The belief that a state should make its internal political philosophy the goal of its foreign policy.

Moral Imperialism (Wilsonian)

The desire to export American values and capitalism by force if necessary, under the guise of helping other nations.

Military Interventionism

Specifically using the armed forces to intervene in another nation's internal affairs or to protect national interests.

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the U.S. in 1899 under which all nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Monroe Doctrine

A 1823 policy stating that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression.

The 'White Man’s Burden'

A poem by Rudyard Kipling urging the U.S. to take up the 'burden' of empire, characterizing imperialism as a noble duty.

City on a Hill

A phrase from John Winthrop’s sermon suggesting the Massachusetts Bay Colony would be a model for the world.

Sphere of influence

A spatial region over which a state has a level of cultural, economic, military, or political exclusivity.

Spanish American War

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the U.S., effectively ending Spain's worldwide empire.

The Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court rulings that determined the Constitution does not automatically apply to people in newly acquired territories.

Platt Amendment

An amendment that gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintain naval bases.

Guantánamo Bay

A section of Cuban land leased to the U.S. for a naval base under the Platt Amendment.

The Philippine War

A brutal conflict (1899–1902) between U.S. forces and Filipino revolutionaries seeking independence.

Teller Amendment

A promise the U.S. would not annex Cuba, framing the war as a selfless crusade for liberty.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Using the threat of naval power to achieve foreign policy goals.

Dollar Diplomacy

Using American loans and business investment to gain influence instead of military force.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.