Events & Ideas
The primary reason for the Spanish-American War
What is to liberate Cuba from Spanish control and expand U.S. influence
What is foreign policy?
Strategies used by a government to manage its relationships with other countries.
What was Manifest Destiny?
The belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.
What was the Open Door Policy?
A U.S. policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China.
What was a significant cause of the Spanish-American War?
The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was blamed on Spain.
What role did yellow journalism play in shaping public opinion during the Spanish-American War?
It sensationalized news stories to provoke public outrage and support for the war.
Define "diplomacy."
The practice of negotiating and maintaining peaceful relations between nations.
Name one significant outcome of the Homestead Act.
It encouraged westward migration by offering land to settlers for farming.
Describe the significance of the U.S. involvement in the Panama Canal construction.
It demonstrated U.S. willingness to exert influence and control over strategic trade routes.
How did the U.S. use military action to achieve its imperialistic goals?
Through interventions and conflicts, such as the Spanish-American War and the invasion of Mexico.
Describe the concept of the "White Man's Burden."
It was the idea that Western nations had a moral obligation to civilize and educate non-Western peoples.
What is "Dollar Diplomacy"?
A policy aimed at furthering U.S. interests abroad by encouraging investment in foreign economies.
How did the transcontinental railroad impact westward expansion?
It facilitated transportation of goods and people, making it easier to settle the western territories.
What was the main goal of U.S. imperialism in Latin America during the early 20th century?
To protect U.S. economic interests and maintain stability in the region.
What was the impact of U.S. military presence in Hawaii?
It led to the annexation of Hawaii and increased U.S. influence in the Pacific.
What was the significance of the Panama Canal to U.S. imperialism?
It facilitated faster trade routes and military movement, solidifying U.S. power in Latin America
What was the Roosevelt Corollary?
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability.
What was a major conflict that arose from westward expansion?
Tensions and wars with Native American tribes over land and resources.
What was the Monroe Doctrine?
US foreign policy stating that the Western Hemisphere (North and South America) was off-limits for European colonization or intervention, and the US would not interfere in European affairs
Describe the role of economic interests in U.S. imperialism.
Economic interests drove the U.S. to seek new markets and resources, leading to interventions in various countries.
How did the Dawes Act aim to assimilate Native Americans into American society?
It allotted land to individual Native Americans to encourage farming and reduce tribal affiliation.
Explain the term "assimilation" in the context of U.S. policies towards Native Americans.
The process of integrating Native Americans into mainstream American culture, often at the expense of their original cultures.
How did the concept of Manifest Destiny influence U.S. foreign policy?
It justified territorial expansion and intervention in foreign lands as a means of spreading democracy and civilization.
What is Moral Diplomacy?
US would intervene to make sure Latin American countries had fair governments controlled by the people
How did the U.S. justify its imperialistic actions in the Philippines?
It claimed to be bringing civilization and democracy to the islands after defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War.