Origins and Impact of US Imperialism and the Great Depression

Frederick Jackson Turner

Historian known for the Frontier Thesis.

Frontier Thesis

Argument about American identity tied to westward expansion.

Industrialization

Economic transformation creating new jobs and products.

Post-Civil War Reconstruction

Period of rebuilding the South after the Civil War.

Mass Immigration

Large influx of people into the United States.

American Progress

Painting symbolizing westward expansion and civilization.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in the divine right to expand westward.

National Maturity

Growth phase of the United States post-revolution.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Naval strategist advocating for a strong navy.

Naval Power

Importance of a strong navy for global influence.

Geopolitical Reasons

Strategic motivations for territorial expansion.

Economic Opportunity

Access to new markets and resources.

Religious Justification

Belief in spreading American values and faith.

Cultural Improvement

Efforts to enhance the lives of indigenous peoples.

Social Darwinism

Theory suggesting superiority of certain races.

Anglo-Saxonism

Belief in the superiority of Anglo-Saxon culture.

The White Man's Burden

Kipling's poem about imperial responsibilities.

Rudyard Kipling

Author of 'The White Man's Burden' poem.

Civilization Efforts

Attempts to educate and uplift indigenous populations.

Imperialism in Action

US territorial expansion in Central America and Hawaii.

American Fruit Companies

Firms gaining power over Central American governments.

Obligation of Empire

Sense of duty felt by imperial powers.

Resistance of Natives

Indigenous pushback against imperialist efforts.

European Observation

European nations monitoring American imperial activities.

United Fruit Company

Controlled plantations in Honduras and Guatemala.

Economic Imperialism

Dominance of one country over another's economy.

Annexation of Hawaii

US takeover of Hawaii for economic interests.

Bayonet Constitution

Revised Hawaiian constitution favoring sugar companies.

Queen Liliuokalani

Last monarch of Hawaii, overthrown by businesses.

McKinley

US President who annexed Hawaii after Cleveland.

Cuban Revolutionaries

Fighters seeking independence from Spanish rule.

Jose Marti

Cuban leader who inspired rebellion against Spain.

Maximo Gomez

Advocated destruction of plantations, labeled traitors.

Valeriano Weyler

Spanish general known for brutal tactics in Cuba.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist news to increase newspaper sales.

William Randolph Hearst

Media mogul promoting sensationalist journalism.

Joseph Pulitzer

Journalist known for yellow journalism techniques.

De Lome Letter

Insulting letter criticizing McKinley, intercepted by Cubans.

USS Maine

US battleship sunk in Havana harbor, escalating tensions.

War Hawks

Politicians advocating for military action against Spain.

Jingoism

Extreme patriotism favoring aggressive foreign policy.

Cuban plantations

Targeted by revolutionaries to weaken Spanish control.

Spanish-American War

Conflict driven by US interests in Cuba.

Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement

Ongoing effort to restore Hawaiian independence.

Cuban independence

Goal of revolutionaries to free Cuba from Spain.

Pressure on McKinley

Growing calls for US intervention in Cuba.

Press attacks Spain

Media coverage incites US public support for war.

Teller Amendment

Prohibits US annexation of Cuba post-war.

Spanish American War

Conflict between US and Spain in 1898.

American Navy

Prepared and launched invasion against Spain.

Victory in the Philippines

US naval success led by Commodore Dewey.

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt.

Battle of San Juan Hill

Key US victory during Cuban campaign.

Platt Amendment

US retains control over Cuban affairs post-war.

Guantanamo Bay

Naval base established in Cuba by the US.

Imperialism Debate

Discussion on pros and cons of US expansion.

Pro of Imperialism

Military expansion enhances US global presence.

Con of Imperialism

Moral implications and potential for violence.

Manifest Destiny

Belief in US obligation to expand territory.

War in the Philippines

Brutal conflict with Filipino insurgents post-annexation.

Aguinaldo's Capture

Filipino leader's arrest ends major resistance.

Open Door Policy

US promotes equal trade access in China.

Spanish Navy

Outdated and poorly supplied during the war.

Cuban Government Rules

US imposes regulations on Cuba's sovereignty.

US Military Control

Maintained over Cuba until constitutional establishment.

Expansionism Morality

Debate on ethical implications of territorial acquisition.

US Influence in Central America

Gained significant power in several nations.

Concentration Camps

US employed camps during Philippine conflict.

Cuban Treaty Restrictions

Cuba forbidden from treaties without US consent.

Open Door Notes

John Hay's proposal for free trade in China.

Boxer Rebellion

Nationalist uprising against foreign influence in China.

Roosevelt Corollary

US intervention in the New World to maintain order.

Big Stick Diplomacy

TR's policy of using military threat for diplomacy.

Panama Canal

Strategic waterway built to connect Pacific and Atlantic.

Great White Fleet

US naval fleet showcasing power through goodwill tour.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's strategy of using financial influence abroad.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson's approach promoting democracy and self-determination.

Militarism

Arms buildup and military expansion among nations.

Spheres of Influence

Regions where foreign powers hold exclusive rights.

Chinese Nationalists

Groups opposing foreign control and influence in China.

Christian Missionaries

Religious groups causing resentment during foreign intrusion.

Economic Downturn

Decline in China's economy leading to nationalist anger.

Colombian Refusal

Colombia's rejection of US offer for canal construction.

Panamanian Rebellion

Uprising supported by US to create Panama.

US Troops in China

Military intervention to suppress Boxer Rebellion.

Taft's Successes

Effective policies in Central America and Caribbean.

Taft's Failures

Ineffective policies in China and Dominican Republic.

Wilson's Imperialism Opposition

Wilson's belief in self-determination for all nations.

TR's Mediation

Negotiation between Japan and Russia to end conflict.

Conscription

Mandatory enlistment for military service across nations.

Economic Influence

Using financial power to gain political leverage.

Military Expansion

Germany and France doubled armies (1870-1910).

Naval Race

Competition between Germany and UK for naval supremacy.

HMS Dreadnought

1906 British battleship revolutionizing naval warfare.

Bismarck's Alliance

Germany allied with Austria-Hungary for security.

Triple Alliance

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy's military agreement.

Triple Entente

Alliance formed by England, Russia, and France.

Balkan League

Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria unite against Ottomans.

Imperialism

Competition for colonies led to European tensions.

Nationalism

Strong national pride influenced European countries' actions.