Spanish-American War
Causes of Imperialism
Key
Vocabulary
Foreign Policy
Territories & Expansion
100

Yellow Journalism 

Newspaper publishers distorted or lied about Spanish atrocities and brutality. 

100

Natural Resources

Raw materials other countries want from other places.

100

Imperialism 

The policy in which stronger nations expand their political, military, and economic control over weaker nations. 


100

Panama Canal 

A Waterway created to connect two oceans for a faster trade route. 

100

Cuba

Island. Became independent but remained influenced by the US.  

200

Rough Riders

Voluntary Calvary regiment. One of its commanders was Theodore Roosevelt.

200

Social Darwinism 


“Survival of The Fittest” 

200

Sphere of Influence

Area where a country has a strong economic control. 

200

Big Stick Policy

Had to have a strong military. America had a special responsibility to ”civilize” weaker nations. 

200

Guam 

Pacific island obtained through treaty. 

300

U.S.S Maine Explosion

On Feb 15, 1898 the ship blew up in the harbor of Havana. Helped start the war. 

300

U.S Foreign Investments

Americans looked for new investment opportunities abroad for their excess capital. 

300

Annexation 

To join another country

300

Dollar Diplomacy

The US took advantage of their economic power to influence other countries. 
300

Puerto Rico 

Caribbean territory acquired after war. 

400

Cuba Independence 

Cubans unsuccessfully rebelled against Spanish rule in 1868. 


400

Missionary Spirit

The desire to spread Christianity and Western culture. 

400

Protectorates

A territory that is protected by a stronger country in exchange for accepting the same state to have a say in their government decisions.  

400

Roosevelt Corollary

If a Latin American country could not pay debt the US would take over to maintain stability. 

400

Philippines 

Islands gained after conflict with Spain. 


500

Treaty of Paris 

Agreement that ended the war. U.S gained Guam and Puerto Rico.

500

Military Strenght

The need for bases to protect trade and gain power. 

500

Open Door Policy 

U.S Plan for equal trade access in China.

500

Boxer Rebellion

Resentment arose in China against foreign influence. 

500

Hawaii

Island group taken under American control.