American Imperialism (1890-1913) Flashcards
Open Door policy
policy supported by the U.S. beginning in 1899 that stated that all major powers, including the U.S. should have an equal right to trade with China
Social Darwinism
philosophy emerging from the writing of Darwin. on “the survival of the fittest” justifying the economic and social differences between the classes in the late 19th century as well as American and European imperialism.
Spanish-American War
war that began in 1898 against the Spanish over the treatment of Cubans by ruling Spanish troops. As a result, the U.S. claimed the Philippines making it a major power in the Pacific
Yellow journalism
method of journalism that utilized sensationalized accounts of the news to sell newspapers. This approach helped to whip up nationalistic impulses that led to the Spanish-American War.
U.S.S. Maine
U.S. naval ship that sank in Havana harbor in February 1898 following an explosion. The incident was used to increase calls for war against Spain. It was never determined how the ship actually sunk, but the media pressed that it was at the fault of the Spanish
Panama Canal
canal across the Panama isthmus that was begun in 1904 and completed in 1914. It enabled America to expand its economic and military influence.
Roosevelt Corollary (1904)
policy that warned Europeans against intervening in the affairs of Latin America and that claimed the right of the U.S. to intervene in the affairs of Latin America if “chronic wrongdoing” was taking place.
Dollar Diplomacy
foreign policy supported by President Taft to favor increased American investment in the world as a way to increase American influence
Naval Act of 1900
legislation that authorized a large increase in the building of ships to be used for offensive purposes. this helped ensure the creation of a renowned American navy.
White Man’s Burden
from a poem by Rudyard Kipling, this view justified imperialism and emphasized the duty of whites who were occupying new territories and improve the lives of people within those territories.
jingoism
American foreign policy based on a strident nationalism and a belief that America was a superior country. They believed in military solutions and this was most evident leading to the Spanish-American War.
Rough Riders
A special unit of soldiers recruited by Teddy Roosevelt to battle in the Spanish-American War. This was composed of men from many backgrounds with Roosevelt at the head. The most publicized event of the war was on charge of the Rough Riders on San Juan Hill in July 1898.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
a peace agreement between Spain and the United States that ended the Spanish-American War. Under the treaty, Cuba gained independence from Spain, and the United States gained possession of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
Teller Amendment
As Americans were preparing for the war with Spain over Cuba, the Senate stated that the U.S. couldn’t annex Cuba. The muckraking press suggested that Cuba would be better under U.S. control.
Platt Amendment
for Cuba to receive its independence from the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, it had to agree to this amendment, which stated that the U.S. has the right to intervene in Cuban affairs if the government couldn’t maintain control or if it was threatened by international forces.
