History terms

Industrialization

U.S. factories and industries grew rapidly, increasing demand for resources and markets overseas.

Imperialism

Strong nations extended political, military, or economic control over weaker regions. The U.S. joined European powers in this practice.

Spanish-American War

U.S. defeated Spain and took control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Expansionism

U.S. increased influence overseas for trade, military power, and resources.

World War I

Global war between the Allies and Central Powers. U.S. entered in 1917.

U.S. enters WWI

Germany’s attacks on ships pushed the U.S. into the war on the Allied side.

Allied Victory in WWI

Allies defeated Germany and the Central Powers.

Great Depression

Massive worldwide economic collapse with unemployment, poverty, and bank failures.

Fascism

Authoritarian political system emphasizing dictatorship, nationalism, and military power.

Adolf Hitler

Fascist leader of Germany who expanded aggressively across Europe.

Axis Powers

Germany, Italy, and Japan formed an alliance before and during WWII.

World War II

Global war between Axis and Allied powers. Deadliest war in history.

Pearl Harbor

Japanese attack on U.S. naval base in Hawaii caused America to enter WWII.

Allied Powers

Main nations fighting Axis powers included the U.S., Britain, and Soviet Union.

Holocaust

Nazi Germany systematically murdered millions of Jews and other groups.

Atomic Bombs

U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, helping end WWII.

End of WWII

Axis powers defeated; U.S. emerged as a major world superpower.

Rebuilding Europe and Japan

U.S. helped rebuild war-damaged countries economically and politically.

Segregation

Legal and social separation of races, especially in the South.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on race or background.

School Integration

Public schools began desegregating after civil rights legal victories.

Voting Rights Protections

Laws passed to protect minority voting rights, especially in the South.

Civil Rights Laws

Federal laws banned overt racial discrimination in public life.

Cold War

Long political and military tension between capitalist U.S. and communist Soviet Union.

Communism vs. Capitalism

Soviet Union promoted government-controlled economy; U.S. promoted private enterprise and democracy.

Korean War

War between communist North Korea and noncommunist South Korea; U.S. supported the South.

Civil Rights Movement

African Americans and allies fought segregation and racial discrimination.

Vietnam War

U.S. supported South Vietnam against communist North Vietnam; war deeply divided Americans.

U.S. leaves Vietnam

America withdrew troops after years of costly fighting.

Fall of South Vietnam

Communist North Vietnam took control of the country.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Soviet leader who introduced reforms that weakened Soviet control.

Berlin Wall falls

Symbolic end of division between communist East and democratic West Germany.

Collapse of Soviet Union

Soviet Union broke apart, ending the Cold War and weakening communism globally.

Technology Revolution

Computers and communication technologies transformed work and daily life.

Computers

Increased productivity and allowed nearly instant communication worldwide.

Technological Challenges

Technology created concerns about privacy, security, and social change.