The New Diplomacy: The United States in the Era of the Great War 1901-1920

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the New Diplomacy and World War I era.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Teddy Roosevelt's policy of creating and using a strong military to achieve America’s goals. "Speak softly and carry a big stick."

Panama Canal

A canal across the isthmus connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific, built with Roosevelt's involvement. U.S. paid $10 million and it opened in 1914.

Roosevelt Corollary

TR’s reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine to keep the Western Hemisphere free from intervention by European powers.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft’s policy of expanding American investments abroad to maintain U.S. diplomacy, using 'dollars for bullets.'

Moral Diplomacy

President Wilson’s policy of promoting human rights instead of using force to assert influence, moving America towards isolationism.

The Great War

A global conflict in Europe caused by nationalism, militarism, imperialism, and entangling alliances (MANIA), in which America played a pivotal role.

Triple Alliance (Central Powers)

An alliance consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

Triple Entente (Allies)

Composed of Great Britain, France, and Russia.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassination

Key event that triggered the alliance system and set off the Great War.

Trench Warfare

Fighting from manmade trenches or ditches protected by barbwire, leading to a stalemate and heavy casualties.

U-Boats

German submarines that conducted unrestricted sinking of Allied vessels.

Zimmerman Note

A telegram proposing an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States, promising the return of territories.

War Industries Board (WIB)

Government board in charge of wartime production.

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

Government committee formed to create a public opinion campaign to 'sell America' on the idea of the war.

Selective Service Act

Act passed by Congress in 1917 authorizing a draft of men for military service.

Espionage Act

An act passed by Congress in 1917 enacting severe penalties for anyone engaged in disloyal activities.

Sedition Act

An act passed in 1918 that limited the freedom of speech.

The Great Migration

The movement of African-Americans in the 20th century from the rural South to the industrial North.

Prohibition

The forbidding by law of the manufacture, transport, and sale of alcohol. Eighteenth Amendment.

Nineteenth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that gave women the right to vote, ratified in 1920.

Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

Peace treaty signed by Russia and Germany.

Fourteen Points

President Woodrow Wilson's plan for peace after World War I, promoting freedom, independence, and the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that concluded WWI.

Reparations

Payments for war damages Allies wanted from Germany.

First Red Scare

A fear that communists were working to destroy the American way of life.

Palmer Raids

Raids in the early 1920s initiated by Attorney General Palmer against suspected radicals and communists.

Warren G. Harding

Elected to the presidency in 1920, wanted to return America to 'normalcy'.