Imperialism: America Gains an Empire

Josiah Strong

Thought it was Protestant duty to spread Christianity abroad. He was a missionary, believed Alnglo-Saxons were superior (white).

Alfred T. Mahan

Wrote The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890). Thought the Us needs a strong navy to secure foreign territories and become a world power. Advocated for imperialism and heaily influence TR.

Seward’s Folly

Negotiated the acquisition of Alaska (1867) from Russia for 7.2 million.

McKinley Tariff

Set the average tariff rate for imports to the US and 48.8% and protected manufacturing. Ended Hawaii’s access to US markets.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated the truth to sell the most amount of newspapers.

DeLome Letter

Heart’s newspaper intercepted and published a letter from Spain’s minister Dupuy DeLome. It criticized President Mckinley, Spain was embarrassed, US was outraged, it increased tensions.

Teller Amendment

Declared that the US had no intention of taking political control of Cuba. Once peace was restored, Cubans would control their own government.

Platt Amendment

1990: Cuba makes a constitution. US says Cuba must add things to it. They could not limit independence or permit a foreign country to control Cuba, the Us has the right to intervene to maintain order, Cuba can’t go into debt. US can buy/lease naval and coaling stations.

Open Door Policy

1899- all nations would have equal trading rights with China.

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry of 1200 men led by TR and Leonard Wood. Led attack on San Juan Hill and won. Ended the 16-week war, 5400 US casualties.

White Man’s Burden

Poem written by Kipling. It was the idea that the US had a moral duty to modernize or civilize what they called “under-developed” cultures. Justification for imperialism.