American History Chapter 9 (Vocabulary)

The correct answer is USS Maine. The USS Maine was an American ship that was attacked just outside of Cuba in January 1898. This incident, known as the explosion of the USS Maine, played a significant role in the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The explosion of the ship was believed to be caused by a mine, although the exact cause remains disputed. The incident heightened tensions between the United States and Spain, ultimately leading to the United States' intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.

Yellow journalism is a term used to describe a style of journalism that involves the intentional exaggeration of stories. This type of journalism often prioritizes sensationalism and catchy headlines over factual accuracy. It is characterized by the use of exaggerated language, misleading information, and the manipulation of emotions to attract readership. Yellow journalism aims to grab attention and increase circulation, often at the expense of truth and objectivity. It emerged in the late 19th century and has since been criticized for its unethical practices and disregard for journalistic integrity.

The term "Rough Riders" refers to President Theodore Roosevelt's First United States Volunteer Cavalry. This group of soldiers was known for their bravery and toughness, hence the name "Rough Riders." They gained fame for their role in the Spanish-American War, particularly for their charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba. The Rough Riders were a diverse group, consisting of cowboys, ranchers, Native Americans, and college athletes, among others. They symbolized the rugged and adventurous spirit of the American West, and their exploits became legendary in American history.

The Platt Amendment refers to the agreement between the United States and Cuba that granted the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever necessary. This agreement allowed the US to have a significant influence over Cuba's internal and external affairs, giving them the authority to protect their interests and maintain control over the region. The Platt Amendment was imposed on Cuba as a condition for the withdrawal of US troops after the Spanish-American War, and it effectively made Cuba a protectorate of the United States.

The term "anti-imperialist league" refers to a group of Americans who believed that the United States should not deny other people the right to rule themselves. This group opposed American expansionism and imperialism, advocating for non-interference in the affairs of other nations and promoting self-determination. They believed that every nation should have the freedom to govern themselves without outside interference or domination. The anti-imperialist league was formed in response to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines and played a significant role in shaping public opinion against American imperialism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The term "Open Door Policy" refers to the policy where no single country should have a monopoly on trade with China. This policy aims to ensure equal access to trade opportunities in China for all countries, without any exclusive privileges for any particular nation. It promotes fair competition and prevents any one country from dominating the trade relations with China.

The Boxer Rebellion refers to the Chinese reaction towards foreigners' attitudes of superiority or being better than the Chinese. This uprising took place in China from 1899 to 1901 and was led by a secret society known as the Boxers. The Boxers were angered by the presence and influence of foreign powers in China and their perceived disrespect towards Chinese culture and traditions. The rebellion resulted in a violent conflict between the Boxers and the foreign powers, ultimately leading to the defeat of the rebellion and further humiliation for China.

The Panama Canal is a short cut that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, or vice versa. It is extremely beneficial for ships trying to navigate between these two oceans, as it saves them from having to sail around the southern tip of South America, which can be a much longer and more treacherous journey. The construction of the Panama Canal has greatly facilitated international trade and transportation, making it a crucial route for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Roosevelt Corollary refers to the addition onto the Monroe Doctrine that allowed the United States to act as "policemen" in all of Latin America. This means that the United States had the authority to intervene in any Latin American country in order to protect its own interests and maintain stability in the region. The corollary was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who believed in asserting American power and influence in the Western Hemisphere. This policy was seen as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine and reflected the United States' growing role as a global power in the early 20th century.

The tensions created by the attacking of the USS Maine and Spain's refusal to withdraw from Cuba led to the Spanish-American War. This war was fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was blamed on Spain, further escalated the tensions and eventually led to the outbreak of the war. The conflict resulted in the United States emerging as a global power and gaining control over territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

William Seward is the correct answer because he was the purchaser of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Seward, who served as the Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson, negotiated the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million. This acquisition, known as "Seward's Folly" at the time, turned out to be a significant and valuable addition to the United States.

Imperialism is the correct answer for this question. It refers to a policy where larger and stronger countries exert their influence, typically through economic means, on smaller and weaker countries. This can involve the domination and control of resources, markets, and territories by the imperialistic power. Imperialism often leads to the exploitation and subjugation of the weaker nations, as the stronger countries seek to expand their power and wealth.