11-5 and 11-6 Flashcards
imperialism
A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially, and economically.
Matthew Perry
American naval commander who opened Japan to the West in 1850’s for trade and coaling stations.
Queen Liliuokalani
Hawaiian queen who was forced out of power by a revolution started by American business interests.
“Seward’s Folly”
Secretary of State William Seward’s negotiation of the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. At the time everyone thought this was a mistake to buy Alaska, an “ice box”, but it turned out to be the biggest bargain since the Louisiana Purchase. Gold, oil and timber were valuable resources located there. The U.S. also built military bases there.
Spanish-American War (1898)
War fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines. America intervened “on behalf of” Cuba and Philippines, but really wanted to establish itself in Pacific. It lasted less than three months and resulted in Cuba’s independence as well as the US annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Yellow Journalism
Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers.
USS Maine
U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898. Evidence suggests an internal explosion, but the Spanish military was blamed by yellow journalism. The incident was the “spark” for the Spanish American War. The slogan “Remember the Maine” was used during the war.
Platt Amendment
As part of the terms for U.S. troops to leave Cuba, this was added to the Cuban Constitution and specified that the US could intervene in Cuban affairs to maintain order.
U.S. motives for imperialism
-Need for markets to sell surplus manufactured goods and crops
-Military bases
-Coaling stations
-Manifest Destiny and competition with European nations who were had and were building colonial empires
-Social Darwinism
-Spread American culture
-Access to tropical produce- sugar and tropical fruits
