Pros and Cons of Imperialism

A collection of flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to imperialism, its advantages and disadvantages, historical context, and American foreign policy.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Economic growth

The increase in the production and consumption of goods and services, often a reason for imperial expansion.

Technological advancements

Improvements in technology that often accompany imperialism, leading to infrastructure development in colonies.

Military advantages

Strategic benefits gained by establishing military bases and presence in foreign territories.

Cultural influence

The spread of a dominant culture (often Western) to other regions, including ideals like democracy and legal systems.

Exploitation

The act of using someone unfairly for one's own advantage, often seen in colonial contexts.

Cultural destruction

The loss or suppression of a native culture due to colonial influences.

Public opinion

The collective attitudes or beliefs of the general population, influencing foreign policy decisions.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the US, resulting in the US acquiring several of Spain's colonies.

USS Maine

The American naval ship whose sinking in Havana Harbor catalyzed the Spanish-American War.

Yellow journalism

Sensationalized news reporting aimed at increasing readership, notably used during the Spanish-American War.

Social Darwinism

The belief that stronger nations had the right to dominate weaker ones, rationalizing imperialism.

National pride

A sense of satisfaction derived from one's achievements as a nation, often fueling imperialism.

Civilizing mission

The justification that imperial powers used to assert the need to spread Western civilization.

Raw materials

Natural resources acquired from colonies, essential for industrial manufacturing.

Rough Riders

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

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the US's right to intervene in Latin America.

Puerto Rico

A US territory gained after the Spanish-American War, located in the Caribbean.

Guam

A strategic island territory in the Pacific acquired by the US as a result of the Spanish-American War.

Philippines

An archipelago in Southeast Asia that became a US territory after the Spanish-American War.

Dollar Diplomacy

A foreign policy strategy under Taft that focused on economic influence and investment.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson's foreign policy approach focused on promoting human rights and democracy.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significant for trade and military movement.

European imperialism pressure

The competitive atmosphere in which the US felt compelled to acquire colonies to maintain status.

Public sympathy

Public emotional support that influenced political decisions, especially regarding foreign intervention.

Humanitarian concerns

Issues related to promoting human welfare, which played a role in justifying US actions during the Spanish-American War.

Strategic bases

Military locations established overseas to protect national interests and trade routes.

Infrastructure improvements

Enhancements in physical structures and facilities in colonized areas, often introduced by imperial powers.

National security

The protection of a nation's borders and sovereignty, often used to justify military interventions.

Global competition

The rivalry between nations for dominance and resources, which fueled imperial ambitions.

Cultural suppression

The act of forcing one culture to abandon its practices in favor of another, often seen in colonized territories.

Influence of the Press

The role of media in shaping public opinion and influencing political action, especially in relation to war.

Empires

Larger nations that control one or more colonies, expanding their dominion.

Economic necessity

The demand for resources and markets that drives nations toward imperial expansion.

Conflict and resistance

Hostilities that arise in response to imperial domination and exploitation of indigenous populations.

Civil liberties

Individual rights protected by law from government infringement.

Military strategy

The planning and directing of military operations to achieve specific objectives.

International order

The organized system of relations among states, often influenced by dominant powers.

Acquisition

The act of gaining possession, particularly in reference to territories during imperialism.

Territorial acquisitions

Gains made by a nation in regards to land or provinces through military, economic, or diplomatic means.

Public mood

The general feelings or sentiments of the populace, especially in relation to political affairs.

Construction of the Panama Canal

An engineering project during Roosevelt's presidency that significantly altered maritime trade routes.

Humanitarians

Individuals or organizations concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.

Anti-American sentiments

Negative feelings toward the US, often arising from its foreign policies and interventions.

Cuban sugar and tobacco

Key economic resources that attracted American business investments in Cuba prior to the Spanish-American War.

Naval battles

Military confrontations at sea, which played a crucial role in the outcome of the Spanish-American War.

American values

Core principles and beliefs represented by the United States, including democracy and liberty.

Western ideals

Philosophies and cultural norms associated with Western civilization, often promoted through imperialism.

Military presence

The stationing of armed forces in a particular area to provide security or influence.

Trade routes

Paths used for the transport of goods, central to economic exchanges between nations.

Intervention

The act of becoming involved in a situation to alter its outcome.

Competition for resources

The struggle among nations to secure necessary materials for economic stability and growth.

Cultural superiority

The belief that one's own culture is better than others, often used to justify imperial actions.

Global superpower

A nation with the ability to project power and influence on a worldwide scale.

Respect for innovation

Acknowledgment of a nation's advancements particularly in technology and culture.

Militarism

A political or social orientation that emphasizes the importance and strength of the military.

Economic exploitation

Taking unfair advantage of a country's resources for one's own economic gain.

Mysterious sinking

Refers to the unexplained cause of the USS Maine explosion, which heightened tensions leading to war.

Resentment and resistance

Hostile attitudes and actions taken by nations or peoples against imperial exertion.

Competitive advantage

A condition that allows a company or country to produce goods or services at a lower price.

Human rights abuses

Violations of the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

American intervention

Military or diplomatic action taken by the US in other countries' affairs.

Nations' prestige

The respect and admiration a nation receives due to its power and status.

Dilemmas of imperialism

Moral and ethical questions raised by the practices and policies of imperialist nations.

Interventionist power

A country that actively engages in international affairs and conflicts.

Cultural integration

The process of combining different cultural traits or practices.

Development in colonies

Improvements in infrastructure and public services that may occur in colonized regions.