American Imperialism Flashcards
Foreign Policy
Actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations.
Imperialism /
Expansionism
Policy of powerful countries seeking to expand their economic or political
control, over weaker countries or regions.
Isolationism
Policy of having little to do with the political affairs of other nations.
Yellow Journalism
Sensational reporting style used by newspapers such as the World and journal.
Protectorate
Nation that has some independence, but its government and economic affairs are strongly influenced by a more powerful nation.
Isthmus
Narrow strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land (ex. – Panama in Central America)
Panama Canal
Man-made waterway dug through Panama to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
William Seward
Secretary of State who persuaded Congress to annex Alaska in 1867.
Queen Liliuokalani
Queen of Hawaii who tried to preserve Hawaiian independence but was
forced to give up power to American planters in 1893, leading U.S. to
annex Hawaii in 1898.
Alfred Mahan
U.S. naval captain and author of 1890 book, The Influence of Sea Power
Upon History, arguing that the prosperity of the U.S. depended on
foreign trade and therefore, a stronger navy.
William McKinley
United States president from 1897-1901; presided over Spanish American War in 1898.
U.S.S. Maine
United States naval ship that sank in Cuba in 1898; Spain was blamed for
sinking it.
Spanish-American
War
Conflict between the U.S. and Spain in 1898.
Rough Riders
Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, led by T. Roosevelt, who fought in the
Spanish-American War.
Roosevelt Corollary
“Big Stick Policy”
Roosevelt’s addition to the Monroe Doctrine; stated that the U.S. could
intervene in Latin American nations to help protect them from European
interference.
