Imperialism and Spanish American War Flashcards
Yellow Journalism
Journalism that is based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration.
Platt Amendment
Gave the United States the right to intervene in Cuban affairs at any time.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
Open Door Policy
A statement of principles initiated by the United States (1899, 1900) for the protection of equal privileges among countries trading with China.
Boxer Rebellion
In 1900, in what became known as the Boxer Rebellion (or the Boxer Uprising), a Chinese secret organization called the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists led an uprising in northern China against the spread of Western and Japanese influence there.
Panama Canal
A 48 mile ship canal in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.
Big Stick Policy
Refers to U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy: “speak softly, and carry a big stick.”
Dollar Diplomacy
The effort of the United States—particularly during President William Howard Taft’s term—to further its aims in Latin America and East Asia through use of its economic power by guaranteeing loans made to foreign countries.
De Lome Letter
This letter, written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, criticized American President William McKinley by calling him weak and concerned only with gaining the favor of the crowd.
USS Maine
US ship sent to Cuba to protect the lives and property of Americans. While it was moored in Havana Harbor, it was sunk by an explosion that killed 258 sailors and injured many others.
Teddy Roosevelt
Assistant Secretary of the Navy during the Spanish American War; raised a volunteer force known as the “Rough Riders” famous for the Battle of San Juan Hill. 26th President of the United States; he was a leading force of the Progressive Era;
Rough Riders
A volunteer force known as the “Rough Riders” famous for the Battle of San Juan Hill.
Alfred Thayer Mahan
President of the Naval War College, was America’s leading advocate for imperial expansion; wrote “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890)
Pancho Villa
A Mexican rebel leader who murdered Americans in New Mexico and then retreated back across the Mexican border. Gen. John J. Pershing and the American Expeditionary Force was sent by President Wilson to apprehend Villa, but he eluded capture.
Protectorate
A state that is controlled and protected by another.
