U.S. Imperialism and Foreign Policy: Key Concepts and Leaders

Social Darwinism:

"survival of the fittest" dictates social order

The role of the book "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History":

argued that national greatness is directly proportional to naval strength and maritime commerce control

Open Door notes by John Hay:

notes ask imperialist nations to share trading rights with U.S., other powers reluctantly agree

Yellow Journalism:

sensational writing used to lure, encourage readers

Agreements in the Treaty of Paris (think about land acquired):

the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico

Teller Amendment:

declared that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War

Platt Amendment -

defined the terms for withdrawing troops from Cuba after the Spanish-American War, which restricted Cuban sovereignty

Best example of Theodore Roosevelt's big stick policy demonstrated by what:

His 1903 intervention in Panama to secure the canal zone

Roosevelt Corollary:

says that the U.S. is to use force to protect economic interests

Dollar Diplomacy:

U.S. guarantees foreign loans by U.S. business

Boxer Rebellion:

a violent uprising in China due to foreigners in China

How did the U.S. acquire Hawaii:

planters called for annexation so they will not have to pay duty

De Lome letter:

private letter by Spanish minister Enrique Dupay de Lome published, calls McKinley weak, swayed by public, Spain apologizes, de Lome resigns, American public is angry

Missionary diplomacy (Wilson's plan):

U.S. has a moral responsibility, will not recognize the regimes that are oppressive or undemocratic

Foraker Act:

established a civilian government in Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American war, transitioning it from military rule

Jingoism:

intense patriotism

Short Answer: Missionary vs. Dollar Diplomacy

The main goal of missionary diplomacy was to promote democracy and moral governance. The focus was moral righteousness over economic interest. The main goal of dollar diplomacy was to utilize American business and private investment. The focus was economic stability instead of direct military intervention.

Why were we supporting the Cuban people, what was the Spanish government doing to Cuba to get our support?

We supported the Cuban people during their struggle for independence due to economic interest and the moral aspect. The United States sympathized with Cuba due to the way the Spanish government treated them. The Spanish government had concentration camps in Cuba which about 400,000 Cubans were forced into to prevent rebellion.

Compare & contrast Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson and their views of foreign policy

Teddy Roosevelt's primary goal in dealing with foreign policies was to protect U.S. strategic and economic interests. He believed force was a primary tool, and that it deterred conflict. He also supported American expansion and imperialism. Wilson's main goal, on the other hand, was to spread democracy and moral principles. He used force as a last resort, and he stated his opposition to imperialism.