Imperialism Notecards

Imperialism The act of expanding to gain more

land and power. Done by the US before WWI as a

way to expand their power and control and to be able to trade their goods with other countries.

Racial Superiority The belief that one race is better

than another. This idea inspired imperialism in

the US because people wanted to take over and control lands that were considered inferior (lesser).

Annexation When another country takes over a

territory and incorporates it into their own land.

The US annexed Hawaii because they wanted control of their sugar and they had a good location in the Pacific Ocean that could serve as a military base (Pearl Harbor). They were annexed in 1898, became a state in 1959.

Overproduction When a country makes more of a

certain good then they can sell. Caused the United States to

expand (imperialism) and look for new markets because they wanted to find other countries to trade their goods with.

Spanish-American War War between Spain and the US. Spain

was fighting to keep control of Cuba while the US was helping Cuba win their independence.

The war was really a competition between US and Spain for power and control. It showed that the major world powers were competing for land and power.

Yellow Journalism When journalist exaggerate news

stories in order to attract readers. Done by journalists during the

Spanish-American war in order to convince Americans to support the war.

Rough Riders Volunteer Calvary Unit

commanded by Teddy Roosevelt that served in the Spanish-American war.

They won battles and returned to the US as war heroes. This helped to propel TR into popularity.

U.S.S. Maine US battleship that was sunk killing

260 Americans, started the Spanish-American war.

Yellow Journalists used the event to gather support for the war but blaming the explosion on the Spanish.

Theodore Roosevelt Became President after McKinley

was assassinated in 1901. He wanted to make sure that US

became a world power and did not fall behind other countries.

He was very enthusiastic, athletic and devoted to promoting US interests peacefully.

Panama Canal

US wanted to build the canal so that ships carrying goods could easily pass through Central America instead of sailing around. Help boost US economy.

Construction was difficult and many people died, US had to pay Panama $10 Million plus an annual rent. After 2000 Panama regained control of the canal.

Dollar Diplomacy Policy followed by the Taft

Administration (Federal Government controlled by President Taft) where the US would support loans made to foreign countries by businessmen.

Done as a way to financially support these other countries and keep European countries from coming in and taking control.

Roosevelt Corollary Added to the Monroe Doctrine and

allowed the US to intervene in Latin American countries in order to protect the economic interests of the US.

Really was a way to ensure that the US did not lose power over Latin American countries to other European powers such as Spain, England or France.

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

Famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt. Said in reference to diplomacy at the time and how the US should treat smaller countries.

Means that we should be peaceful (speak softly) but should not be afraid to step in and fight for the US’s interests (carry a big stick).

Diplomacy Activity or skill in dealing with

foreign countries in an effective and sensitive manner.

If someone is “diplomatic” it means that they are able to deal with other people or other countries in a sensitive way without making others angry or defensive.