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​​Unit 7 Key Terms: Definitions, Examples, and Historical Thinking Skills

7.1 Contextualization

  1. Turner Thesis (Frontier Thesis)

    • Definition: A theory by Frederick Jackson Turner that argued the American frontier was crucial in shaping the nation’s democratic institutions and character.

    • Sentence: Turner’s Frontier Thesis suggested that the closing of the frontier marked the end of a vital chapter in U.S. history.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Continuity and Change Over Time – The role of the frontier in shaping American identity evolved as the frontier disappeared, prompting shifts in national focus.


  1. Open Door Policy

    • Definition: A U.S. policy advocating equal trading rights for all nations in China to prevent domination by any single power.

    • Sentence: The Open Door Policy ensured that American businesses could access Chinese markets without fear of exclusion.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Causation – This policy was a reaction to European spheres of influence in China and caused tensions with imperial powers.


  1. Monroe Doctrine

    • Definition: A policy declaring that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to further European colonization.

    • Sentence: The Monroe Doctrine set the foundation for U.S. interventions in Latin America in the late 19th century.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Continuity and Change Over Time – It represents a consistent U.S. effort to limit European influence in the Americas, though its application evolved over time.

7.2 Imperialism Debates

  1. Anti-Imperialist League

    • Definition: A group that opposed American annexation of territories, arguing it contradicted democratic principles.

    • Sentence: The Anti-Imperialist League criticized U.S. actions in the Philippines as unjust and hypocritical.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Comparison – The League’s views contrasted with those who supported imperial expansion for economic and strategic gains.




  1. Alfred Thayer Mahan

    • Definition: A naval strategist who argued that sea power was essential to national greatness and global influence.

    • Sentence: Alfred Thayer Mahan’s book, "The Influence of Sea Power upon History," inspired U.S. leaders to build a stronger navy.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Causation – His ideas directly influenced U.S. naval expansion and imperialist policies.


  1. Social Darwinism

    • Definition: The belief that certain races or nations were superior and destined to dominate others due to "survival of the fittest."

    • Sentence: Social Darwinism was often used to justify U.S. imperialism in the late 19th century.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Causation – It shaped policies and attitudes that encouraged expansionism and justified racial hierarchies.

7.3 The Spanish-American War and U.S. Foreign Policy

  1. USS Maine

    • Definition: A U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War.

    • Sentence: The rallying cry “Remember the Maine” fueled American support for war against Spain.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Causation – The destruction of the USS Maine was a key event leading to the U.S. declaring war on Spain.


  1. Platt Amendment

    • Definition: An amendment that gave the U.S. control over Cuban affairs and allowed for the establishment of a naval base at Guantánamo Bay.

    • Sentence: The Platt Amendment limited Cuba’s sovereignty and demonstrated U.S. dominance in the Caribbean.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Continuity and Change Over Time – It highlights the ongoing American intervention in Latin America.



  1. Yellow Journalism

    • Definition: Sensationalized and exaggerated news stories designed to provoke public emotion and influence opinions.

    • Sentence: Yellow journalism by newspapers like "The New York Journal" played a role in drumming up support for the Spanish-American War.

    • Historical Thinking Skill: Causation – This type of journalism directly influenced public opinion and U.S. foreign policy.