APUS Chapter 29 Vocabulary

George Dewey (Definition)

1837-1917, U.S. admiral: defeated Spanish fleet at Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Emilio Aguinaldo (Definition)

1869-1964, Filipino leader during the Spanish-American War: opposed to U.S. occupation.

Rough Riders (Definition)

The members of a volunteer regiment of cavalry organized by Theodore Roosevelt and Leonard Wood for service in the Spanish-American War. They were famous for a victorious charge at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

Annexation (Definition)

A formal act whereby a state proclaims its sovereignty over territory hitherto outside its domain. Unlike cession, whereby territory is given or sold through treaty, annexation is a unilateral act made effective by actual possession and legitimized by general recognition.

Alfred Thayer Mahan (Definition)

1840-1914, U.S. naval officer and writer on naval history.

Jingoism (Definition)

Extreme and emotional nationalism, or chauvinism, often characterized by an aggressive foreign policy, accompanied by an eagerness to wage war.

U.S.S. Maine (Definition)

(ACR-1) U.S. Navy's 2nd commissioned pre-dreadnought battleship, originally classified as armored cruiser. Maine had been sent to Havana, Cuba to protect U.S. interests during Cuban revolt against Spain. On Feb. 15, 1898, she suddenly exploded and sank, killing ¾ of crew. Though cause was/is unclear, U.S. blamed Spain, and it precipitated Spanish-American War. Speculations proposed that she sank due to an undetected fire in one of her coal bunkers, victim of naval mine, and that she was deliberately sunk to drive U.S. into war with Spain.

Richard Olney (Definition)

1835-1917, U.S. statesman. He served as both U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of State under President Grover Cleveland. As attorney general, he advised the use of federal troops, when legal means failed to control strikers (Pullman strike). As secretary of state, he raised U.S. status in the world by elevating U.S. diplomatic posts to the status of embassy.

Platt Amendment (Definition)

1901; Replaced the Teller Amendment; stipulated the conditions for the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Cuba at the end of Spanish-American War and defined terms of Cuban-U.S. relations. Permitted U.S. intervention in Cuban international and domestic affairs for the enforcement of Cuban independence, and U.S. could lease or buy lands to establish naval bases (main one was Guantánamo Bay) and coaling stations in Cuba. Barred Cuba from making a treaty that gave another nation power over its affairs, going into debt, or stopping U.S. from imposing sanitation program on island. By 1934, rising Cuban nationalism and widespread criticism of the Platt Amend. Resulted in its repeal as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor policy toward Latin America. However, U.S. retained its lease on Guantánamo Bay.

Teller Amendment (Definition)

April 20, 1898; Congressional to protests of American anti-imperialists, who believed U.S. shouldn't become involved in international land grabs that European powers had been practicing for centuries. Amendment promised that U.S. wouldn't annex Cuba, but it didn't prevent U.S. from meddling in internal affairs of Cuba after war was over. Joint resolution for the recognition of the independence of the people of Cuba, demanding that Government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in Cuba, and to withdraw land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing U.S. President to use land and naval forces to carry these resolutions into effect.

Foraker Act (Significance)

By the Foraker Act of 1900, Congress accorded Puerto Ricans a limited degree of popular government and, in 1917, granted them U.S. citizenship. U.S. worked wonders in education, sanitation, transportation, etc. on the islands.

Alfred Thayer Mahan (Significance)

Capt. Thayer's book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783 (1890), argued that control of the sea was the key to world dominance. Read by the English, Germans, Japanese, and Americans, Mahan stimulated the naval race among the great powers. This encouraged Americans to demand a mightier navy and an American-built isthmian canal between the Atlantic and Pacific. The Spanish-American War vindicated big-navyism.

U.S.S. Maine (Significance)

Early in 1898 Washington sent the battleship Maine to Cuba for a "friendly visit" but actually to protect and evacuate Americans if a dangerous flare-up should occur. On Feb. 9, 1898, Hearst sensationally headlined a private letter written by the Spanish minister in Washington, Dupuy de Lôme, that ridiculed President McKinley, causing de Lôme to resign. On Feb. 15, 1898, the Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana harbor, killing 260 officers and men. Despite an unknown cause, U.S. was war-mad and Spain received the blame. In 1976 evidence pointed to an explosion that had resulted spontaneous combustion in one of the coal bunkers adjacent to a powder magazine, which is what Spain had deduced in 1898.

Anti-Imperialist League (Definition)

Established in U.S. on June 15, 1898 to battle U.S. annexation of Philippines as an insular area. Opposed the expansion because they believed imperialism violated the credo of republicanism and "consent of the governed." Didn't oppose expansion on commercial, constitutional, religious, or humanitarian grounds; believed annexation and administration of backward tropical areas would mean abandonment of American ideals of self-government and isolation. Represented an older generations that was rooted in an earlier era. Defeated in terms of public opinion; the 1900 election and actions of Congress and President supported imperialism.

Imperialism (Significance)

From the end of Civil War to 1880s, U.S. was isolationist, but in the 1890s, due to rising exports, manufacturing capability, power, and wealth, it began to expand onto the world stage, using overseas markets to sell its goods. The "yellow press" also missionaries inspired by Reverend Strong's Our Country influenced overseas expansion. People were interpreting Darwinism to mean that the earth belonged to the strong and fit—the U.S. America had new international interests as can be seen in 1889 when James G. Blaine pushed his "Big Sister" policy, which sought better relations with Latin America and open their markets to U.S.. The first Pan-American Conference was held in D.C. A number of diplomatic crises also characterized U.S.'s U.S. diplomacy in 1880s-90s, in which U.S. was tossed in near-wars with Germany, Italy, Chile, and Canada. The willingness of Americans of risk war over such distant and minor disputes demonstrated the aggressive new national mood.

Richard Olney (Significance)

In 1895-1896, British Guiana and Venezuela had been disputing their border for many years, but when gold was discovered, the situation worsened. Thus, the U.S., under President Cleveland, sent a note written by Secretary of State Olney to Britain informing them that their actions were trespassing the Monroe Doctrine and the U.S. controlled things in the Western Hemisphere, so London should submit the dispute to arbitration. However, Britain replied 4 months later, denying the Monroe Doctrine and arbitration. U.S. and Britain almost went to war, but the issue was settled with Britain getting most of the land they had wanted in the beginning without bloodshed. As a result, the Monroe Doctrine was strengthened; Latin American nations appreciated U.S.'s effort to protect them; and Britain sought better relations with U.S. afterwards, since it had many enemies in Europe.

Platt Amendment (Significance)

In 1902, U.S. did honor the Teller Amendment of 1898 and withdrew troops from Cuba. However, U.S. didn't want to turn this rich and strategic island loose for the Germans to secure. The Cubans were forced to write the Platt Amendment of 1901, which became their constitution. This amend. said that Cuba (1) couldn't form treaties or contract debt; (2) U.S. could intervene with troops to restore order and provide mutual protection; (3) U.S. could trade freely with Cuba, and (4) Cubans promised to sell or lease needed coaling and naval stations, notably Guantanamo. This agreement can only be revoked by the consent of both parties.

Teller Amendment (Significance)

On April 11, 1898, Pres. McKinley sent his war message to Congress to free the Cubans. Congress also adopted the Teller Amendment, which proclaimed that when U.S. had overthrown Spanish misrule, it would give the Cubans their freedom. In 1902, U.S. withdrew U.S. troops from Cuba, which surprised Old World imperialists. However, U.S. maintained ties with Cuba through the Platt Amendment.

Foraker Act (Definition)

Organic Act of 1900: April 12, 1900; U.S. federal law that established civilian government and new government structure to replace military government in Puerto Rico, which had become U.S. possession as result of Spanish-American War. The governor and cabinet was appointed by U.S. President. All U.S. federal laws were to be in effect in Puerto Rico. Law maintained colonial status of island, granted Puerto Rican citizenship to residents, and defined island's political and economic (free commerce) relationship with U.S. Remained in effect until superseded by Jones-Shafroth Act in 1917.

George Dewey (Significance)

Start of Spanish-American War: The Spanish had illusory advantage over U.S. in military and navy. U.S. Navy Secretary John D. Long and his assistant secretary, Theodore Roosevelt had modernized U.S. Navy. On Feb. 25, 1898, Roosevelt cabled Commodore George Dewey, commanding the American Asiatic Squadron in Hong Kong, and told him to take over the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, Dewey did so brilliantly, completely taking over the islands from the Spanish. However, Dewey had to wait for military reinforcements to storm the forts of Manila, but meanwhile, other nations were moving their ships into Manila Harbor to protect their men. The German navy defied U.S. blockade regulations, and Dewey threatened the navy commander with war, but this episode blew over, due in part to British assistance of U.S. On Aug. 13, 1898, U.S. troops arrived and captured Manila, collaborating with Filipino insurgents, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, to overthrow Spanish rulers. On Jul. 7, 1898, U.S. annexed Hawaii, so that it could use islands to support Dewey, and Hawaii received full territorial status in 1900.

Annexation (Significance)

The McKinley Tariff of 1890 raised sugar prices. Americans felt the best way to overcome the tariff was to annex Hawaii to U.S., which was opposed by Queen Liliuokalani. In 1893, Americans in Hawaii revolted and succeeded. However, President Cleveland investigated the situation, found it to be wrong, and the annexation of Hawaii was put off until 1898. After the war, Spanish and American negotiators met in Paris, in which U.S. freed Cuba, acquired Guam and Puerto Rico, and bought Philippines for $20 million after much debate.

Rough Riders (Significance)

The Spanish sent warships to Cuba, panicking Americans on the eastern seaboard, and the fleet, commanded by Admiral Cervera, found refuge in Santiago harbor, Cuba. He was blockaded by a better American fleet. An ill-prepared American army led by General William R. Shafter was to be sent in from the rear to drive out Cervera. The "Rough Riders," a part of the invading army was a regiment of volunteers, consisting of western cowboys, ex-polo players and ex-convicts. It was commanded by Colonel Leonard Wood and organized by Theodore Roosevelt. Mid June; Rough Riders were rushed to Cuba without most of their horses ("Wood's Weary Walkers"). July 1; Fighting broke out between Spaniards and Rough Riders at El Caney and San Juan Hill, with the Rough Riders suffering heavy casualties but emerged as victor.

Imperialism (Definition)

The policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.

Americanization (Definition)

To make or become American in character; assimilate to the customs and institutions of the U.S. In the early 20th century, activities that were designed to prepare foreign-born residents of the U.S. for full participation in citizenship.

Anti-Imperialist League (Significance)

Upon U.S. acquiring the Philippines, uproar broke out. Except for Alaska, Hawaii, and some scattered Pacific islands, the U.S. had hitherto acquired only contiguous territory on the continent with the characteristics of it being thinly peopled and capable of ultimate statehood. But the Philippines were a distant tropical area, thickly populated by Asians of alien race, culture, tongue, religion, and government. The Anti-Imperialist League sprang into being to fight the McKinley administration's expansionist moves, and its members included presidents of Stanford and Harvard universities, William James, Mark Twain, Samuel Gompers, and Andrew Carnegie. They also argued that the Filipinos wanted freedom; and to annex them would violate the "consent of the governed" (D. of I.). Also, annexation would propel U.S. into the political and military issues of the Far East. However, expansionists stressed the opportunities for exploiting the islands for trade profits; it could become another Hong Kong! Due to William Jennings Bryan, the treaty was passed by 1 vote.

Jingoism (Significance)

When Cuba revolted against Spain in 1895, U.S. supported Cuba in the fight for freedom, especially after Spanish Gen. "Butcher" Weyler crushed the Cuban revolt by herding civilians into awful concentration camps. The American public and press clamored for action, but Cleveland—an anti-jingoist and anti-imperialist—would do nothing. Similarly, after the Maine incident, American jingoistic public wanted war, but McKinley was hesitant. However, he finally yielded b/c (1) he had no faith in Spain's promises regarding Cuba (end to reconstruction camps/armistice w/ Cubans); (2) war with Spain seemed inevitable; (3) U.S. had to defend democracy; (4) opposing war could split Repub. party and U.S. Emerging as victors in the Spanish-American War gave U.S. a new jingoism and imperialistic motives.

Emilio Aguinaldo (Significance)

[*See George Dewey] U.S. reinforcements finally arrived and captured Manila on Aug. 13, 1898. They collaborated with Filipino insurgents, commanded by their well-educated, part-Chinese leader, Aguinaldo, who had been brought from exile in Asia by Dewey to weaken Spanish resistance. In 1899, he led Filipino insurrection against the new American rulers. Captured in 1901, he declared his loyalty to U.S. During WWII, he collaborated with Japanese when they occupied Philippines. He died peacefully in Manila at age 95 in 1964.

Americanization (Significance)

[*See George Dewey] U.S. supposedly needed Hawaii as a coaling and provisioning way station to send supplies and reinforcements to Dewey. In truth, U.S. could have used Hawaii w/o annexing them. However, joint resolution of annexation was passed July 7, 1898. Residents of Hawaii were granted U.S. citizenship and later full territorial status in 1900. This culminated a century of Americanization by sailors, whalers, traders, and missionaries, arriving in 1820.