Key People

 Admiral Alfred T. Mahan: Advocated for a strong navy and strategic

refueling locations to support American imperialism.
 William Seward: Secretary of State who arranged the purchase of Alaska
from Russia.
 Queen Liliuokalani: The last reigning monarch of Hawaii who attempted to
restore power to native Hawaiians.
 Jose Marti: Cuban poet and journalist who launched a revolution against
Spanish rule in Cuba.
 Teddy Roosevelt: President known for the Roosevelt Corollary and his role in
the Spanish-American War.
Key Events
 Spanish-American War (1898): Conflict between the US and Spain that
resulted in the US acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the
Philippines.
 Treaty of Paris (1898): Ended the Spanish-American War, granting
independence to Cuba and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to
the US.
 Battle of San Juan Hill: A significant battle during the Spanish-American
War where Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders gained fame.
Key Legislation
 Teller Amendment: Stated that the US would not annex Cuba after the
Spanish-American War.
 Platt Amendment: Allowed the US to intervene in Cuban affairs and
established conditions for US withdrawal from Cuba.
 Foraker Act: Ended US military rule in Puerto Rico and established a civil
government.
Key Questions
 What were the three things that fueled Imperialism? Economic
competition, political/military competition, racial/cultural superiority.
 What were the four causes for the Spanish-American War? The De
Lome Letter, yellow journalism, Spain’s concentration camp policy, and the
explosion of the USS Maine.
 What territories did the US gain from the Treaty of Paris? Philippines,
Puerto Rico, and Guam.
Facts to Memorize
  Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, granting independence to
Cuba and ceding Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the US.
 The USS Maine explosion was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War,
though the cause remains uncertain.
 The Platt Amendment allowed US intervention in Cuba to preserve its
independence.
 The Roosevelt Corollary extended the Monroe Doctrine, asserting US
intervention in Latin America.
Concept Comparisons

Concept Description

Dollar
Taft’s policy of using economic power to influence other countries.
Diplomacy

Roosevelt An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting US intervention in

Corollary Latin America.

Open Door Aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and
Policy prevent colonial monopolies.

Protectorate A state that is controlled and protected by another.

Key Terms/Concepts
 Imperialism: A policy in which stronger nations extend their economic,
political, or military control over weaker territories.
 Yellow Journalism: Sensationalized news reporting that exaggerates facts to
attract readers and influence public opinion.
 Protectorate: A country whose affairs are partially controlled by a stronger
power.
 Dollar Diplomacy: Taft’s policy of using the US government’s economic
power to exert influence over other countries.
Flashcard #1
Term: How did the U.S. impose control over Puerto Rico?
Definition: Following the Treaty of Paris in 1898, the U.S. established a military
government and later the Foraker Act, which governed Puerto Rico's political status.
Flashcard #2
Term: What were the main goals of the Philippine-American War?
Definition: To suppress Filipino independence movements and establish American
control over the Philippines after the Spanish-American War.
Flashcard #3
Term: What prompted American public interest in Cuba in the late 19th century?
Definition: Cuban revolts against Spanish rule, combined with yellow journalism,
raised American sympathy for the Cuban people.
Flashcard #4
Term: What role did the U.S. play in the construction of the Panama Canal?
Definition: The U.S. supported Panama's independence from Colombia and
negotiated a treaty to build and control the Panama Canal.
Flashcard #5
Term: How did the annexation of Hawaii occur?
Definition: The U.S. overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, leading to Hawaii’s
annexation in 1898, primarily due to economic interests in sugar.
Flashcard #6
Term: What was the significance of the Spanish-American War for the U.S.?
Definition: It marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power with overseas
territories, signifying a shift to imperialistic policies.
Flashcard #7
Term: What was the result of the Treaty of Paris for Spain?
Definition: Spain ceded control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the
U.S., marking the end of the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
Flashcard #8
Term: What strategy did Admiral Mahan suggest for U.S. naval power?
Definition: He advocated for a two-ocean navy, emphasizing the importance of a
strong navy in global trade and military presence.
Flashcard #9
Term: What was the significance of the Platt Amendment for Cuban sovereignty?
Definition: It limited Cuba’s ability to make treaties and allowed for U.S.
intervention in Cuban affairs, undermining its sovereignty.
Flashcard #10
Term: How did the U.S. justify its intervention in Latin America?
Definition: Through the Monroe Doctrine and later the Roosevelt Corollary, framing
interventions as necessary for regional stability and protection.
Flashcard #11
Term: What was the Open Door Policy, and why was it important?
Definition: A diplomatic policy proposed by the U.S. to ensure equal trading rights
in China and prevent any one nation from monopolizing the trade.
Flashcard #12
Term: Who was Emilio Aguinaldo, and what was his role in the Philippine-American
War?
Definition: A Filipino revolutionary leader who initially fought against Spanish rule
and later against U.S. annexation, seeking Filipino independence.
Flashcard #13
Term: What did the term ‘Big Stick Diplomacy’ refer to?
Definition: The foreign policy philosophy of Theodore Roosevelt that emphasized
negotiating peacefully while simultaneously threatening with military action.
Flashcard #14
Term: What was the significance of the Sphere of Influence in China?
Definition: Geographic areas where foreign nations controlled trade and
investment, initially leading to conflicts like the Boxer Rebellion.
Flashcard #15
Term: What was the impact of the Spanish-American War on Cuba?
Definition: Cuba gained formal independence, but U.S. involvement continued
through the Platt Amendment, which limited Cuba’s treaty-making ability.
Flashcard #16
Term: What were the causes of the Boxer Rebellion?
Definition: Anti-foreign sentiment in China led to the Boxer Rebellion, where secret
societies revolted against foreign influence and control.
Flashcard #17
Term: What economic motivations drove U.S. imperialism in the late 19th century?
Definition: Access to new markets, raw materials, and opportunities for American
businesses motivated the U.S. to pursue imperialistic policies.
Flashcard #18
Term: What was the significance of the USS Maine in the context of the Spanish-
American War?
Definition: The sinking of the USS Maine was a catalyst for U.S. intervention in
Cuba, stirred public outrage, and led to the declaration of war against Spain.
Flashcard #19
Term: How did racial and cultural superiority influence American imperialism?
Definition: Beliefs in racial and cultural superiority justified expansion and
domination of other nations, often devaluing indigenous cultures and practices.
Flashcard #20
Term: What was the role of the U.S. in the Russo-Japanese War?
Definition: The U.S. mediated the conflict, resulting in the Treaty of Portsmouth,
and established itself as a peace broker in international conflicts.
Flashcard #21
Term: What were the effects of American occupation on the Philippines?
Definition: The U.S. sought to modernize and Americanize the Philippines,
implementing infrastructure improvements but also facing resistance to their rule.
Flashcard #22
Term: What was Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine?
Definition: An extension asserting that the U.S. would intervene in Latin American
nations to maintain stability and prevent European intervention.
Flashcard #23
Term: What was the main objective of the United States during the China trade
conflict?
Definition: To secure open trade policies in China and prevent monopolization by
other foreign powers.
Flashcard #24
Term: How was nationalism a driving force for imperialism?
Definition: The belief in national superiority motivated countries to expand their
influence and acquire territories to enhance national prestige.
Flashcard #25
Term: What was the impact of the Foraker Act on Puerto Rico?
Definition: It established a civilian government in Puerto Rico, but allowed the U.S.
to maintain significant control over the island's affairs.
Flashcard #26
Term: What was the main goal of the Panama Canal?
Definition: To create a shortcut for naval and commercial ships, significantly
reducing travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Flashcard #27
Term: What led to the emergence of economic imperialism in the late 19th century?

Definition: The desire for new markets and resources post-Industrial Revolution
prompted strong nations to assert control over weaker regions for economic gain.
Flashcard #28
Term: What effect did the Spanish-American War have on U.S.-Latin American
relations?
Definition: It heightened U.S. influence in the Caribbean and established a
precedent for intervention in Latin American affairs.
Flashcard #29
Term: How did the American presence in Hawaii evolve?
Definition: From economic interests in sugar plantations to eventual political
control, culminating in Hawaii’s annexation in 1898.
Flashcard #30
Term: Why did the U.S. support the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy?
Definition: American sugar planters sought political control to benefit their
businesses, leading to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.
Overview of American Imperialism
Definition and Context of Imperialism
  Imperialism refers to the policy where stronger nations extend their
economic, political, or military control over weaker territories, shaping global
dynamics.
 This practice has historical roots dating back to ancient empires, but gained
momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as industrial nations
sought new markets and resources.
 The concept is often associated with European colonialism, but the United
States also engaged in imperialist activities during this period.
Factors Fueling American Imperialism
 Economic Competition: Industrial nations, including the U.S., sought new
markets for their goods and sources for raw materials, leading to aggressive
foreign policies.
 Political and Military Competition: Nations aimed to expand their
influence and power globally, often through military presence and strategic
alliances.
 Racial and Cultural Superiority: The belief in the superiority of American
culture and values justified expansionist policies, often at the expense of
indigenous populations.
Key Events and Figures in American Expansion
Acquisition of Alaska
 In 1867, Secretary of State William Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska
from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal often criticized at the time as 'Seward's
Folly'.
 The acquisition expanded U.S. territory significantly and provided access to
natural resources, including gold and oil, which would later prove vital to the
economy.
The Annexation of Hawaii
 By the mid-19th century, American-owned sugar plantations dominated
Hawaii's economy, leading to increased U.S. influence.
 The strategic location of Hawaii in the Pacific made it a valuable asset for
military and economic purposes, culminating in its annexation in 1898.
Role of Admiral Alfred T. Mahan
 Admiral Mahan was a naval officer whose writings emphasized the
importance of a strong navy for national greatness.
 He advocated for the establishment of naval bases and coaling stations to
support American naval power and protect trade routes.
The Spanish-American War and Its Aftermath
Causes of the Spanish-American War
 The explosion of the USS Maine in February 1898, coupled with
sensationalized reporting (yellow journalism), stirred public outrage against
Spain.
 Despite Spain's willingness to negotiate, the U.S. public sentiment was
heavily influenced by media portrayals of Spanish atrocities in Cuba.
Treaty of Paris of 1898
 The treaty ended the Spanish-American War, granting Cuba independence
and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.
 This marked a significant expansion of U.S. territory and influence in the
Caribbean and Pacific regions.
American Foreign Policy in the Early 20th Century
Open Door Policy
 The Open Door Notes proposed equal trading rights for all nations in China
and aimed to preserve China's territorial integrity against imperialist powers.
 This policy reflected the U.S. desire to expand its economic influence without
direct territorial control.
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
 The Roosevelt Corollary asserted that the U.S. would intervene in Latin
American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests.
 This policy justified military intervention in various Latin American nations,
reinforcing U.S. dominance in the region.
Key Figures and Events in Latin America
Francisco “Pancho” Villa
 Villa was a Mexican revolutionary leader who opposed U.S. influence in
Mexico and was responsible for attacks on American citizens, including the
killing of 17 Americans in New Mexico.
 His actions prompted a military response from President Wilson, highlighting
tensions between the U.S. and Mexico.
The Platt Amendment
 The Platt Amendment outlined conditions for U.S. intervention in Cuba,
including the prohibition of treaties that could compromise Cuban
independence and the right for the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs.
 This amendment effectively made Cuba a protectorate of the U.S., limiting its
sovereignty.
Conclusion and Legacy of American Imperialism
Economic and Social Impacts
 The imposition of tariffs, such as the one on Cuban sugar in 1894, led to
economic decline in Cuba and increased U.S. control over its economy.
 The U.S. suppression of the Filipino revolt during the Philippine-American War
resulted in significant casualties and highlighted the costs of imperialism.
The Boxer Rebellion
 The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 was an uprising against foreign influence in
China, leading to military intervention by several nations, including the U.S.
 This event underscored the complexities of imperialism and the resistance it
often provoked among colonized peoples.
Key People
 William Seward: Secretary of State who arranged the purchase of Alaska
from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.
 Admiral Alfred T. Mahan: An advocate for military expansion who urged
the U.S. to build up its navy and secure strategically located naval bases.
 Francisco “Pancho” Villa: A Mexican nationalist who killed American
miners and crossed into New Mexico, provoking a military response from the
U.S.
Key Events
 Sinking of the USS Maine (February 1898): The event that provoked U.S.
involvement in the Spanish-American War, despite Spain's agreement to most
American demands.
 Philippine-American War: A conflict resulting from the U.S. suppression of
a Filipino revolt seeking independence, leading to significant casualties and
costs.
Key Policies/Legislation
 Open Door Notes: Proposed open access to China’s coastal ports and aimed
to maintain China's independence in trade among imperialist nations.
 Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: Stated that the U.S. would
use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.
 Platt Amendment: Provisions that included restrictions on Cuba's ability to
make treaties threatening its independence and reserved the U.S. right to
intervene in Cuba.
Key Treaties
  Treaty of Paris (1898): Ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in
Cuba's independence and the U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the
Philippines.
Facts to Memorize
 Treaty of Paris of 1898 ended the Spanish American War.
 The Platt Amendment provisions included restrictions on Cuba's treaties and
debt.
 The USS Maine sank in February 1898, leading to U.S. involvement in the
Spanish American War.
Cause and Effect

Cause Effect

Economic competition Fueled American imperialism and expansion into

among industrial nations territories like Hawaii and the Philippines.

The sinking of the USS Provoked U.S. entry into the Spanish American
Maine War.

The imposition of a high Led to the decline of the Cuban economy in

tariff on Cuban sugar 1894.

The Boxer Rebellion in Resulted in foreign military intervention and

China increased Western influence in China.

Concept Comparisons

Concept Description

Stronger nations exerting control over weaker territories for

Imperialism
economic, political, or military gain.

Yellow Sensationalized reporting that influenced public opinion and

Journalism fueled calls for intervention in foreign conflicts.

Open Door U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trading rights in China and
Policy maintaining its territorial integrity.

Roosevelt Extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention

Corollary in Latin America to protect economic interests.

Key Terms/Concepts
 Imperialism: The policy in which stronger nations extend their economic,
political, or military control over weaker territories.
 Yellow Journalism: Sensationalized reporting that aimed to attract readers
and influence public opinion, particularly in the context of the Spanish-
American War.