American Studies-Boxer Rebellion

Imperialism

A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, socially, and economically.

Expansionism

(The U.S.) was producing so many goods that it must look overseas for other markets.

Intervention

(law) a proceeding that permits a person to enter into a lawsuit already in progress

Emilio Aguinaldo

- Emilio Aguinaldo was a Filipino leader who fought first against Spain and then against the United States. He was a leader in the fight for Filipino independence.

Sphere of Influence

A geographical area where one country, state, empire, etc. is very dominant and controlling. Controlling group often brings their own customs, political ideas, and so on.

De Lome Letter

A letter written by the Spanish ambassador to the US that was intercepted and released to the press that criticized President McKinley, and suggested it was unlikely there would be peace between the US and Spain.

Nicaragua

A more stable country where the canal could have been created, had not Philippe Bunau Varilla actively campaigned for Panama instead.

Empire

A nation that rules several other nations.

Isolationism

A national policy of avoiding involvement in world affairs

Missionaries

A person sent on a religious mission. Mostly Christian missionaries sent to countries where the U.S. was trying to achieve influence.

Spanish-American War

A war between Spain and the U.S. in the Caribbean and the Philippines in 1898. The US successfully invaded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Alfred Mahan—Influence of Sea Power Upon History

Advocated for increased Naval power (both Merchant and military).

Hawaii Annexation

After negotiations in 1897, a treaty was agreed to for the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii. Marines supported an overthrow of the Hawai'ian queen in order to obtain more territory for the U.S.

Boxer Rebellion

Also known as The Boxer Uprising, this was the popular peasant uprising in China (supported nationally), that blamed foreign people and institutions for the loss of the traditional Chinese way of life. "Boxers" were traditionally skilled fighters that attacked Westerners, beginning with Christian missionaries.

Canal Zone

Area generally 5 miles on either side of the Panama Canal that was declared US Territory by treaty in 1903. Controlled by the US up to 1999.

Colonialism

Attempt by one country to establish settlements and to impose its political, economic, and cultural principles in another territory.

Yellow Journalism

Bending the truth to make the story seem more appealing

Cuba—In S-A War

Cuba—In S-A War- Cuba wanted independence from Spain. The US got involved by protecting Cuba and therefore getting into a war with Spain in order to expand the US.

Philippe Bunau Varilla

French diplomat and engineer from Panama who negotiated the treaty that created the Panama Canal Zone in 1903.

Joseph Pulitzer

He used yellow journalism in competition with Hearst to sell more newspapers. He also achieved the goal of becoming a leading national figure of the Democratic Party.

William Randolph Hearst

He was a leading newspaper publisher in America. He created the world's largest newspaper and magazine business, also competed with Pulitzer using yellow journalism.

Assimilation

It is when a group of people is integrated into a bigger group or society, it has often happened against the will of the minority group U.S. history.

Platt Amendment

Part of a bill in the U.S. congress that led to the pull out of U.S. troops from Cuba at the end of the Spanish-American war. It also stipulated that the U.S. had a right to maintain an economic and military presence in Cuba.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

Roosevelt asserted that European nations should not intervene in countries to the south of the US, and under certain conditions, United States military intervention would be justified. This extended, or changed, the Monroe Doctrine.

Philippine War

The U.S. became involved in the fight between the Philippines and the Spanish. After the Spanish were defeated, U.S stays and occupies the Philippines.

Open Door Policy

The idea that all countries should have the right to open trade with China-this was directed toward other imperialist countries. The U.S. wanted to prevent countries from setting up separate spheres of influence within China, thereby blocking potential U.S. trade opportunities.

Annex

To add land to one's own territory (basically by taking it).

Seward's Folly

U.S Secretary of State Henry William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia. He purchased Alaska in 1867 for $7.2 million dollars.

Monroe Doctrine

an American foreign policy opposing interference in the Western hemisphere from outside powers

Concentration Camps--by Spain, in Cuba

by Spain, in Cuba- Prison camp for civilians (to deny rebels sanctuary) in wartime or under totalitarian rule. Concentration camps also called "reconcentrados" that were used by the Spanish in Cuba in 1896.

Anti-Imperialist League

objected to the annexation of the Philippines and the building of an American empire. Idealism, self-interest, racism, constitutionalism, and other reasons motivated them, but they failed to make their case; the Philippines were annexed in 1900

Economic Growth

steady growth in the productive capacity of the economy (and so a growth of national income)

Idealism

to pursue an idea, whether or not it can be achieved--as opposed to a realist.

Manifest Destiny

A notion held by a nineteenth-century Americans that the United States was destined to rule the continent, from the Atlantic the Pacific.

"Great White Fleet"

1907-1909 - Roosevelt sent the Navy on a world tour to show the world the U.S. naval power. Also to pressure Japan into the "Gentlemen's Agreement."

Protectorate

A country or state controlled or protected by another country. For example, the Philippines became a US protectorate early in the 1900's.

"Remember The Maine!" (USS Maine)

A slogan of the Spanish-American war referring to the sinking of a battleship in Cuba. Stirred up by yellow journalism, this lead McKinley to declare war.

Sensationalism-

Adding Excitement to a story to make it more tantalizing

Dollar Diplomacy

Foreign policy created under President Taft that had the U.S. exchanging financial support ($) for the right to "help" countries make decisions about trade and other commercial ventures. Basically it was exchanging money for political influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Panama Canal

The United States built the Panama Canal to have a quicker passage to the Pacific from the Atlantic and vice versa. It cost $400,000,000 to build. Columbians would not let Americans build the canal, but then with the assistance of the United States a Panamanian Revolution occurred. The new ruling people allowed the United States to build the canal.