Imperialism and WWI

William Seward

Bought Alaska from Russia in 1867 (Seward’s Folly), showing early U.S. expansion beyond the mainland.

Alaska

Territory purchased from Russia; later proved valuable for resources.

Hawaii

Annexed in 1898 for strategic naval and economic reasons.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Argued strong navy and overseas bases meant global power.

Spanish-American War

War between U.S. and Spain; U.S. gained overseas empire.

Cuba

Wanted independence from Spain, U.S. intervened

USS Maine

Explosion in Havana harbor helped spark war.

Jingoism

Extreme patriotism pushing for aggressive foreign policy.

Yellow journalism

Sensationalized news to influence public opinion

William Randolph Hearst

Used newspapers to promote war

Joseph Pulitzer

Competed with Hearst using sensational headlines

Philippines

Taken from Spain; U.S. fought Filipinos who wanted independence

Emilio Aguinaldo

Led resistance against U.S. rule

Theodore Roosevelt

Promoted strong military and active foreign policy.

Platt Amendment

Limited Cubas independence; allowed U.S. intervention.

Insular Cases

Said Constitution doesn’t fully apply in territories.

Spheres of Influence

Areas where countries have special economic control.

Open Door Policy

Wanted equal trade access in China

Boxer Rebellion

Chinese revolt against foreign influence; U.S. helped stop it

Panama Canal

Shortcut connecting Atlantic and Pacific oceans

Roosevelt Corollary

U.S. can intervene in Latin America

Great White Fleet

U.S. navy sent around the world to show power

William Howard Taft

Focused on economic influence abroad

Dollar diplomacy

Using money/investments to gain influence

Woodrow Wilson

Promoted democracy and moral leadership

Moral diplomacy

Support countries with democratic governments

Mexican Civil War

U.S. intervened to protect interests

Neutrality

U.S. tried to stay out of ware at first

Submarine Warfare

German U-boats attacked ships

Lusitania

Sunk by Germany; Americans died

Allied Powers

Britain, France, Russia (later U.S.)

Central Powers

Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

Propaganda

Information used to influence public opinion

Zimmerman Telegram

Germany asked Mexico to attack U.S.

Committee on Public Information

Promoted support of war

War agencies

Government groups managing economy for war

Espionage Act

Punished interference with war effort

Sedition Act

Limited criticism for government

Schenck v. U.S.

Upheld limits on free speech

Selective Service Act

Military draft law

Russian Revolution

Bolsheviks took power; Russia left war

Fourteen points

Wilson’s plan for peace and self determinations

Treaty of Versailles

Ended war; punished Germany

Big Four

U.S., Britain, France, and Italy leaders at peace talks

League of Nations

Meant to keep peace

Henry Cabot Lodge

Opposed League without changes

Reservationists

Wanted changes before joining League

Irreconcilables

Completely opposed League

Fear of communism in the U.S. after WWI.