u.s. history

isolationist

A foreign policy where a country avoids involvement in international affairs.

imperialism

A policy where a nation extends its power and influence over other countries through colonization, military force, or other means.

economic gain

The pursuit of profit through access to markets and resources.

military strategy

Plans and actions to secure a nation's defense and position in global affairs.

nationalism

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's nation, often leading to the desire for expansion.

Social Darwinism

A belief that some nations are superior and have a duty to civilize 'less developed' countries.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting that exaggerates or fabricates to attract readership.

Treaty of Wanghia

An 1844 agreement that established trade relations between the U.S. and China.

gunboat diplomacy

The use of military force or threat to achieve foreign policy objectives.

Seward’s folly

A term used to describe the purchase of Alaska, initially viewed skeptically.

Platt Amendment

A provision that limited Cuba's sovereignty and allowed U.S. intervention.

Open Door Policy

A diplomatic policy that aimed for equal trade access in China.

de Lome letter

A stolen letter that insulted President McKinley, inflaming public opinion against Spain.

USS Maine

A U.S. naval ship whose sinking in Havana Harbor sparked the Spanish-American War.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, granting the U.S. significant territories.

Philippine-American War

Conflict between the U.S. and Filipino revolutionaries from 1899 to 1902.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention in Latin America.

Spooner Act

A 1902 act that authorized U.S. construction of the Panama Canal.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict between Russia and Japan over territorial disputes in East Asia.

Dollar Diplomacy

A policy promoting U.S. financial investments abroad to increase influence.

Anti-Imperialist League

A coalition opposed to the annexation of foreign territories and imperialism.

domestic issues

Challenges and problems existing within a country's own borders.

armed forces

Military personnel or military capability used to protect a nation or its interests.

labor unions

Organized associations of workers formed to protect and advance their rights.

superiority of American culture

The belief that American culture is better than other cultures.

non-white populations

Communities and groups that are not classified as white, particularly in the context of U.S. immigration and demographic change.

economic resources

Natural or manufactured materials that can be used to produce wealth.

Central America

The region connecting North and South America, important for trade routes.

provisional government

A temporary government set up until a more permanent government is established.

Cuban rebellion

The uprising of Cubans against Spanish colonial rule, particularly in the late 19th century.

Hawaiian revolution

The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 by American settlers.

Guantanamo Bay

A naval base established in Cuba following the Spanish-American War.

colonization

The establishment of settlements and control over indigenous peoples.

interventionist policy

A foreign policy approach that involves active intervention in the affairs of other nations.

economic investments

Financial assets put into a project or business expecting returns.

trade opportunities

Chances to engage in commerce and exchange goods or services.

national interests

The goals and objectives of a nation-state in its foreign policy.

naval bases

Strategically located sea ports used to station and supply naval ships.

American exceptionalism

The idea that the U.S. has a unique mission to transform the world.

military intervention

The involvement of military forces in a foreign conflict or situation to influence outcomes.

Western hemisphere

The half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the 180th meridian.

American guidance

The belief that the U.S. should lead or direct other nations, especially in governance.