U.S. Expansionism- Overseas
Monroe Doctrine
A statement of foreign policy which proclaimed that Europe should not interfere in affairs within the United States or in the development of other countries in the Western Hemisphere
Reasons to expand
Desires for raw materials/new markets (Economic) Desire for military strength (militarism). Competition between European powers for colonies (Imperialism). Belief in cultural superiority (Nationalism/humanitarianism).
Annexation
the formal act of acquiring something (especially territory) by conquest or occupation
Cede
to surrender
Roosevelt Corollary
(TR) , Roosevelt's 1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States has the right to protect its economic interests in South And Central America by using military force, first put into effect in Dominican Republic.
William Taft
1908; Republican; continued and expanded upon Theodore Roosevelt's policy of trustbusting, foreign policy characterized by "Dollar Diplomacy," proposed the 16th amendment creating a federal income tax.
William McKinley
25th president responsible for Spanish-American War, Philippine-American War, and the Annexation of Hawaii, imperialism. Assassinated by an anarchist in 1901.
Guano Act 1856
A United States federal law passed in 1856 that enables citizens of the U.S. to take possession, in the name of the U.S., of unclaimed islands containing guano (seabird and bat excrement). Guano was a prized source of saltpeter for gunpowder as well as an agricultural fertilizer. This law is still in effect. More than 100 islands have been claimed for the United States under this law.
Sphere of Influence
A foreign region in which a nation has control over trade and other economic activities.
Joseph Pulitzer
A muckraker who designed the modern newspaper format (factual articles in one section, editorial and opinion articles in another section). Engaged in competitive yellow journalism wars with rival William Randolph Hearst. Excellence in journalism prize named after him.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Strong nations dominate weak ones.
Open Door Policy
A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.
Hawaii
America attained through forced annexation in 1898. Queen Liliuokalani gave up her country because she didn't want to go to war with America. Became the 50th State.
Alfred Thayer Mahan
American Naval officer and historian. He is most famous for his book "The Influence of Sea Power on History" (1890) which defined Naval strategy. His philosophies had a major influence on the Navies of many nations resulting in a igniting of naval races between countries. Protect foreign trade with a powerful navy.
Guam
Americans secured this remote Pacific island from Spain after the war over Cuba (1898). Americans had captured it earlier, before the residents even knew that there was a war going on. The U.S. currently has a military base on the island.
Teddy Roosevelt
Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1898. Led the Rough Riders in Battle of San Juan Hill. President 1901-1909.
Yellow Fever
Caused by a *virus and is transferred by a *mosquito
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.
Moral Diplomacy
Foreign policy proposed by President Wilson to condemn imperialism, spread democracy, and promote peace.
Cuba
Former Spanish colony. U.S. defeated Spain in the Spanish American War in 1898 and Cuba became quasi-independent. U.S. opens Guantanamo Bay and could intervene in domestic or foreign affairs if necessary.
Puerto Rico
Former Spanish colony. U.S. territory 1898-current (Spanish American War). Island population U.S. citizens since 1917 (Jones Act).
Philippines
Former Spanish colony. U.S. territory from 1898-1946. Native people fought against U.S. occupation and colonization for 3 years killing over 100,000.
Spanish American War
In 1898, a conflict between the United States and Spain, in which the U.S. supported the Cubans' fight for independence. The U.S. defeated Spain in what was called the "Splendid Lytle War".
Midway Islands
Island located between U.S. and Japan. Annexed by U.S. in 1867 (Guano Act)
Yellow Journalism
Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers.
Sanford Dole
Negotiated the annexation of Hawaii to the US in 1898. Served as President of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Hawaii after Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown.
How Alaska was acquired
Originally a Russian territory sold to the U.S. for a mere $7 million in 1867. The purchase was nicknamed "Seward folley"- a critical reference for investing in a barren wasteland. Became the 49th state in 1959.
Samoa
Pacific island that became a triple protectorate of the United States, Britain, and Germany in 1899.
Boxer Rebellion
Rebellion in China against foreigners that occurred soon after the "Open Door" notes. Caused by foreign (American and European) "spheres of influence" within the Chinese empire. Led to no formal division of China and the world powers accepted compensation from the Chinese for damages instead.
Henry Cabot Lodge
Republican senator who strongly supported the idea of expansionism for moral reasons. Build a strong navy to protect American interests overseas.
Panama Canal
Ship canal cut across the isthmus of Panama by United States (1904-1914). Rights bought from France. Colombian revolt supported by U.S. Mosquito defeated through use of pesticides.
Big Stick Diplomacy
Slogan describing TR's Roosevelt corollary. Comes from the phrase, "speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." emphasis on military preparedness; willingness to use military force to achieve foreign policy goals.
Johnson, Baker, Howard and Wake Islands
South Pacific Islands annexed by U.S. between 1857-99
Reason the U.S. declared war on Spain
Spain failed to recognize Cuban independence.
De Lome Letter
Spanish Ambassador's letter that was illegally removed from the U.S. Mail and published by American newspapers. It criticized President McKinley in insulting terms. Used by war hawks as a pretext for war in 1898.
1898
Spanish-American War - US acquires Philippines, Cuba, Guam, & Puerto Rico
Battleship Maine
Sunk off the coast of Cuba. The U.S. blamed the Spanish and used it as an excuse to declare war on Spain (1898).
Banana Republics
Term given to governments supported or created by the United States in Central America, believed to be either corrupt or subservient to US interests. Small countries dependent on large, wealthy nations.
Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico
Territories the U.S. gained after defeating Spain in the Spanish American War. Paid Spain $20 million.
Expansionism
The doctrine of expanding the territory or the economic influence of a country.
Lock system
an enclosed chamber in a canal, dam, etc., with gates at each end, for raising or lowering vessels from one level to another by admitting or releasing water. Overcame elevation issue in Panama.