America as a world power

• Imperialism: Building an empire by gathering colonies and conquering countries through diplomacy or force
• Diplomacy: Maintaining a peaceful relationship and coming to an agreement on things peacefully
• Colony: An area settled and ruled by the government of a foreign land
• Isolationism: Avoiding involvement in the affairs of foreign countries
• Alfred T. Mahan believed America needed a strong navy to protect its economic interests
• Alaska: Territory bought from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million dollars by the United States, arranged by William H. Seward
• Midway Islands: Pacific islands officially annexed in 1867, excellent coaling station for US ships between the U.S and Japan
• Liliuokalani proposed a new constitution to return power to the monarchy in Hawaii, but US planters caused a revolt and won, leading to the official annexation of Hawaii by the US Congress in 1898
• The United States aimed to become trade partners with Japan to beat the Europeans
• Sphere of influence: A country or area where another country has the power to affect developments without formal authority
• Open door policy: Stated all nations should have equal access to trade in China, never accepted or rejected by anyone
• Boxers: Chinese nationalist group angered by foreign involvement in China, laid siege to Beijing in June 1900
• Yellow journalism: Publishing biased, sensational, and exaggerated news stories to attract readers
• President William McKinley supported Cuban Independence, USS Maine's mission was to protect US citizens and economic interests in Cuba
• USS Maine exploded and sank on February 15, 1898, killing 266 men, leading to the rallying cry "Remember the Maine"
• Teller Amendment stated the US had no interest in taking control of Cuba
• Spain declared war on the United States, leading to the US declaring war on Spain on April 25
• US Navy won a quick victory in the Philippines, US troops and Filipino rebels took control of Manila on August 13
• Teddy Roosevelt formed the Rough Riders during the war, capturing Kettle Hill during the battle of San Juan Hill
• US took over Spanish-held Puerto Rico during peace talks, Spain signed a cease-fire agreement on August 12, 1898
• Platt Amendment limited Cuba's right to make treaties and allowed US intervention, Puerto Rico is a US commonwealth, Philippines granted full independence in 1946
• Panama Canal: Artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, opened on August 15, 1914, extremely difficult and dangerous to construct
• Roosevelt's foreign policy: "Speak softly and carry a big stick," try non-violent agreements first but be prepared to use military force if necessary
• Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine warned of US intervention in Latin America in cases of "wrongdoing"
• Taft used dollar diplomacy to influence governments economically, Wilson believed in promoting democracy in Latin America and was willing to use military force
• Mexican Revolution: Long, violent struggle for power in Mexico starting in 1910
• General John J. Pershing was sent to capture Pancho Villa, a Mexican rebel who killed 17 Americans