Essential Information US History American Imperialism

Open Door Policy The “Open Door Policy” was adopted so that the US could get trading rights in China along with the European imperialists.

Yellow Journalism “Yellow Journalism” describes inaccurate reporting in newspapers meant to raise sentiments. Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst used it to generate support for the Spanish-American War.

Alfred T. Mahan Supporters of Mahan favored a policy of a strong navy and finding new foreign markets for trade.

Big Stick Policy The “Big Stick” and “Dollar Diplomacy” were terms used for American control over South America.

Spanish American War The United States built its own little empire. From Spain the U.S. got control of Puerto Rico, Cuba and Guam.

Seward’s Folly Alaska which had been brought from Russia was called “Seward’s Folly” because people didn’t realize it’s value. Alaska has oil, gold and is a valuable spot against the Russians.

Hawaii Hawaii became an American territory in the late 1800’s and achieved statehood after World War II. Pearl Harbor is the main naval port for the navy in the Pacific.