American Imperialism Vocab

Imperialism

The policy in which stronger nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.

Isolationism

A long-standing U.S. policy of avoiding involvement in world affairs; the opposite of imperialism.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century belief that the U.S. was destined by God to expand its dominion across the entire North American continent (and eventually beyond).

Social Darwinism

The belief that “survival of the fittest” applied to nations, suggesting that “superior” civilizations (like the U.S.) had a duty to expand.

Jingoism

Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

Alfred T. Mahan

A naval officer whose book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, convinced U.S. leaders that a strong navy was the key to world power.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized, often exaggerated news reporting used to lure leaders and influence public opinion-a major factor in starting the Spanish-American War.

Anti-Imperialist League

A group of prominent Americans (including Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie) who opposed U.S. expansion, arguing it violated the “consent of the governed.”

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, famous for their charge up San Juan Hill.

USS Maine

A U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898; though the cause was unclear, “yellow” headlines blamed Spain, sparking war.

Spanish-American War

The 1898 conflict that resulted in the U.S. gaining Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and effectively ending the Spanish Empire.

Annexation

The formal act of acquiring something (especially territory) by conquest or occupation. (e.g., the Annexation of Hawaii).

Platt Amendment

A series of provisions that the U.S. forced Cuba to add to its constitution, giving the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuba affairs and maintain a naval base (Guantanamo Bay).

Sphere of Influence

A region where a foreign nation experts significant economic and political control, even if they don’t “own” the territory.

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the U.S. in 1899 stating that all nations should have equal access to trade in China.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy: “speak softly and carry a big stick.” It relied on the threat of military force to achieve goals.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine claiming the U.S. had the right to act as an “international police power” in Latin America.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft’s policy of encouraging American investment in foreign economies to gain influence, rather than using bullets.

Moral DIplomacy

President Wilson’s policy of only supporting Latin American governments that were democratic or viewed as “moral” by the U.S.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway cut through the Isthmus of Panama to provide a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, drastically increasing U.S. naval mobility.