US Imperialism Flash Cards

A compilation of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to US Imperialism.

Social Darwinism

The belief that societies evolve through natural selection, leading to the justification of imperialism.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Alfred T. Mahan

A naval officer whose theories on naval power influenced America’s naval strategy and expansion.

Spanish American War

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the US, resulted in the US gaining territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, marking a significant expansion of American territory.

Buffalo Soldiers

African American soldiers who served in the US Army during the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, known for his role in the Spanish-American War and progressive reforms.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist journalism that exaggerated news stories to influence public opinion and provoke war.

William Randolph Hearst

A newspaper publisher known for his role in promoting the Spanish-American War through yellow journalism.

Joseph Pulitzer

A newspaper publisher who, along with Hearst, used sensationalism to boost newspaper sales and sway public opinion.

USS Maine

A battleship whose sinking in Havana Harbor contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Roosevelt Corollary

A policy that extended the Monroe Doctrine, permitting US intervention in Latin America to stabilize the region.

Monroe Doctrine

A US policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas, asserting that any intervention would be viewed as a threat.

Big Stick Diplomacy

The foreign policy idea that America should negotiate peacefully but also carry a big stick for intimidation.

Panama Canal - French Attempt and Panama Independence

The failed French attempt to build the canal led to Panama’s independence supported by the US.

Dr. William Gorgas

An American physician best known for his work in controlling yellow fever and enabling the construction of the Panama Canal.

Jose Marti

A Cuban revolutionary leader who sought independence from Spain and inspired the Spanish-American War.

Emilio Aguinaldo

A Filipino revolutionary leader who fought against Spanish rule and later against American colonization.

Battle of Manila Bay

The first major battle of the Spanish-American War where the US Navy defeated the Spanish fleet.

Battle of San Juan Hill

A decisive battle in the Spanish-American War where American forces, including the Rough Riders, achieved victory.

Battle Of El Caney

An important battle during the Spanish-American War that preceded the assault on San Juan Heights.

Imperialists

Individuals or groups that support extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or establishing economic dominance.

Anti-Imperialists

Individuals or groups opposed to the expansion of a country's power, particularly through territorial conquest.

Queen Lili’uokalani

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who was overthrown in 1893.

John L. Stevens

The US Minister to Hawaii who played a key role in the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani.

James Cook

An English explorer known for his voyages in the Pacific, including the first European contact with Hawaii.

Sanford B. Dole

An American politician and lawyer who acted as the president of the Republic of Hawaii after the overthrow of the monarchy.

Platt Amendment

A provision added to the Cuban Constitution that allowed the US to intervene in Cuban affairs.

William McKinley

The 25th President of the United States, who led the country during the Spanish-American War.

William Howard Taft

The 27th President of the United States whose foreign policy included dollar diplomacy in Latin America.

Importance of the Canal - Economic, Military and Political

The Panama Canal was crucial for trade, military movement, and political control in the region.

How many people died building the Canal

It is estimated that approximately 25,000 workers died due to disease and accidents during the construction of the Panama Canal.

Philippine-American War

A conflict between the US and Filipino revolutionaries following the Spanish-American War.

Valeriano Weyler

A Spanish general known for his brutal tactics against Cuban insurgents, which fueled American support for the war.