U.S. Imperialism and Expansion: Key Concepts and Events

Manifest Destiny

The belief that America would benefit From sea to sea.

Imperialism

A policy that stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

Colonialism

The implanting of settlements on a distant territory. Colonialism was the common way that imperialistic countries extended their power over others.

Berlin Conference

Held in 1884-1885, this was a meeting where the imperialist countries of Europe divided up Africa into colonies.

Isolationists

Favored keeping out of foreign affairs. They were against American imperialism.

Expansionists (aka imperialists)

Favored imperializing other territories beyond the continental U.S.

White Mans Burden

Those who viewed it as the duty of white people to imperialize justified it by misusing Charles Darwin (basically white supremacy).

Social Darwinism

Darwin had said that stronger individuals of a species evolve and adapt over time. He never said 'survival of the fittest' and he never meant that groups of people were superior to other groups.

Spanish-American War

Support of Cuban independence led to involvement in the 1898.

Yellow journalism

Newspapers publish graphic (and often exaggerated) stories of Spanish cruelty to the Cubans, prompting public anger.

USS Maine

Explosion of the USS Maine in the Havana harbor is blamed on the Spanish, resulting in calls for Congress to declare war, April 1898.

Platt Amendment

Gives USA the right to intervene in Cuban affairs anytime there is a threat to 'life, property, and individual liberty.'