U.S. Foreign Policy in Latin America

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Policy stating the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability

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The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

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De Lome Letter

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A letter written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, criticizing President McKinley and fueling tensions leading to the Spanish-American War.

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Sinking of the Maine

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An American battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, leading to increased tensions and the start of the Spanish-American War.

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Sympathies with Cuban Rebels

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American support for Cuban independence from Spanish rule, driven by shared democratic ideals and reports of Spanish atrocities.

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Protecting Financial Trade/Plantations (Sugar Exports) in Cuba

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Economic interests in Cuba, particularly in sugar plantations, motivated U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War to protect trade and investments.

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Yellow Journalism

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Sensationalized and exaggerated news reporting that influenced public opinion and fueled support for the Spanish-American War.

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Sinking of Lusitania

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The sinking of the Lusitania was a significant event during World War I, where a German U-boat torpedoed the British passenger ship, killing over 1,000 people, including Americans. This event contributed to the U.S. entering the war.

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Ties to Great Britain

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The United States had strong economic, cultural, and political ties to Great Britain, which influenced its decision to support the Allies during World War I.

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Sussex Pledge

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The Sussex Pledge was a promise made by Germany during World War I to stop unrestricted submarine warfare, particularly against passenger ships, after the sinking of the Sussex. This pledge was later broken, leading to increased tensions.

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Zimmerman Telegram

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The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States. Its interception and publication by British intelligence helped sway U.S. public opinion towards entering World War I.