US Expansion and Imperialism

• These are study notes on US Expansion and Imperialism

Spanish-American War

• A war in 1898 between the United States and Spain.
• The U.S. backed Cuban independence.
• Fought in Cuba and the Philippines.
• The U.S. intervened ostensibly for Cuba and the Philippines, with an actual goal to establish itself in the Pacific.
• Lasted less than three months.
• Resulted in Cuba's independence.
• The US annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• Contributing factors included American support for Cuban and Filipino independence movements.
• The explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor further fueled the conflict.

Yellow Journalism

• Describes journalism that sensationalizes or distorts news.
• It aims to create excitement and attract readers.

Panama Canal

• A ship canal across the Isthmus of Panama.
• Built by the United States.
• Opened in 1915.

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

• An uprising in China against foreign influence.
• Suppressed by an international force of approximately 18,000 soldiers, including Americans.
• Paved the way for the 1911 Chinese Revolution.
• Led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.

Imperialism

• A policy of extending a nation's power and influence.
• Achieved through diplomacy or military force.

Roosevelt Corollary

• An addition to the Monroe Doctrine articulated by Roosevelt in 1904.
• Asserted the U.S. right to protect its economic interests in South and Central America through military force.

Monroe Doctrine

• Declared in 1823 that Europe should not interfere in the Western Hemisphere.
• European interference would be viewed as a threat to the U.S.
• Stated that Europe could not re-colonize newly independent New World colonies.
• Primarily a show of nationalism with limited impact until later in the 1800s.

Seward's Folly

• Refers to Secretary of State William Seward's purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
• The purchase was initially considered a mistake.
• Later seen as a great bargain, similar to the Louisiana Purchase.

Spheres of Influence in China

• China was divided by European powers.
• Each country had special authority over certain regions.
• The European countries supported each other in these spheres for economic advantages.

Theodore Roosevelt

• 26th President of the United States.
• Known for conservationism and trust-busting.
• Signed the Hepburn Act and promoted safe food regulations.
• Advocated for the "Square Deal."
• Oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal.
• Initiated the Great White Fleet.
• Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating peace in the Russo-Japanese War.

Open Door Policy

• Proposed by the U.S. in 1899.
• All nations would have equal trade opportunities in China.

Queen Liliuokalani

• The Hawaiian queen overthrown by American business interests.

Study notes on US Expansion and Imperialism. Includes the Spanish-American War, Yellow Journalism, and the Panama Canal. Also covers events such as the Boxer Rebellion.