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this was a cease-fire or agreement to stop fighting
armistice
This is the treaty that ended WWI. It imposed harsh conditions on Germany that led to bitterness and economic hardship.
Treaty of Versailles
the belief that American culture was superior to others.
American Exceptionalism
This band of volunteers led by Theodore Roosevelt in Cuba during the Spanish-American War was instrumental in the most famous victory of the war at San Juan Hill.
Rough Riders
This amendment attached to Congress' war resolution promised that the United States would not annex Cuba.
Teller Amendment
These points were put forth by President Woodrow Wilson in his peace proposal following WWI. Among them were a call for a reduction in armaments, the right of self-determination for certain ethnic groups, and a proposal to found the League of Nations.
Fourteen Points
money paid to a country for losses during a war
reparations
This term was applied to the US purchase of Alaska by those who believed it to be a useless purchase. It was so called since the purchase was orchestrated by Secretary of State William Seward. It turned out to be a wise purchase due to the rich natural resources and great economic potential of the region.
Seward's folly
This US battleship exploded in a Cuban port on February 15, 1898. Its explosion was blamed on the Spanish and resulted in Congress declaring war on Spain.
USS Maine
This amendment, which the US insisted be included in the Cuban constitution, put limits on what the Cuban government could do, gave the US two naval bases in Cuba, and allowed for US intervention in the region whenever the US believed it was necessary.
Platt Amendment
This is the power to govern oneself.
self-determination
This is the belief that a nation such as the United States should expand its borders and acquire overseas colonies/territories.
imperialism
This was the title of a famous poem by British writer Rudyard Kipling. Most considered it to be an endorsement of the belief that it was the moral obligation of white Westerners to "civilize" and "help lesser peoples."
"The White Man's Burden"
This island nation in the South Pacific was ruled by the Spanish. It was conquered by Commodore George Dewey after the United States declared war on Spain in 1898. As a result, the Philippines became a US territory.
the Philippines
was a human-made waterway across the isthmus of Panama that allowed US ships to move more quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was envisioned by Roosevelt and begun during his administration.
Panama Canal
This institution was proposed by Wilson. Its purpose was to be to provide a place where nations could discuss their differences rather than going to war. Ironically, although many nations joined the League, the United States did not, due to Senate opposition.
League of Nations
author of The Influence of Sea Power upon History that made the case for United States building up its navy.
Alfred T. Mahan
the US invested in sugar plantations in Hawaii until it annexed it in 1898.
Hawaii
This quote from John Hay referred to the US conquest of the Philippines and accurately captured how most US citizens felt towards the Spanish-American War.
"a splendid little war"
This statement issued by President Theodore Roosevelt expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine. It stated that the United States had the right to intervene in the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere if a nation was having trouble paying its debts. This policy led to increased US involvement in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Roosevelt's Corollary
This quote from a speech given by President Wilson before the US Senate prior to the United States entering WWI referred to the need for a peace that was perceived as being agreed upon among "equals" rather than being enforced on a losing nation by a victor. Wilson believed that such a peace was the only kind that would last without leading to resentment and further conflict.
"peace without victory"
an advocate for the United States expansion.
Frederick Jackson Turner
This was a type of journalism of the late 1800s that exaggerated facts about the sufferings of the Cuban people under Spain, or printed stories that were untrue for the sake of selling more papers. It played a major role in turning US public opinion in favor of a war with Spain.
yellow journalism
This was the treaty that officially ended the Spanish-American War after three months of fighting.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
This was a policy implemented by President Roosevelt. Its name came from an African proverb and meant that the US did not intend to be a threatening presence in the Western Hemisphere, but neither would it hesitate to forcefully protect its own interests.
big stick diplomacy