U.S. Imperialism and World War I

A collection of 100 vocabulary flashcards derived from a lecture on U.S. Imperialism and World War I.

U.S. Imperialism

The policy of extending the United States' power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Alaska Purchase

Acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million.

William Seward

U.S. Secretary of State who facilitated the purchase of Alaska, often referred to as "Seward's Folly".

Berlin Conference

1884 conference where European powers divided Africa among themselves.

Alfred T. Mahan

Naval officer whose ideas on sea power influenced U.S. military strategy.

Great White Fleet

A fleet of U.S. Navy ships that was sent on a world tour to demonstrate American naval power.

Jingoism

An aggressive form of nationalism advocating for military action.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii who was overthrown in 1893.

McKinley Tariff of 1890

A tariff that imposed higher duties on imports and affected Hawaiian sugar exports to the U.S.

Sanford Dole

Prominent figure in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and president of the Republic of Hawaii.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain, resulting in U.S. expansion.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news reporting that contributed to public support for the Spanish-American War.

William Randolph Hearst

Journalist known for his role in promoting the Spanish-American War through sensational headlines.

DeLome Letter

A letter written by the Spanish ambassador criticizing President McKinley, which fueled American outrage.

USS Maine

U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana harbor, precipitating the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

An 1898 amendment stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the war.

Philippines

A territory acquired by the U.S. as a result of the Spanish-American War.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Filipino revolutionary leader who fought against American annexation.

Open Door Policy

A diplomatic policy that aimed to ensure equal trading rights in China.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign uprising in China in 1900 aimed at removing foreign influence.

Dollar Diplomacy

Foreign policy under President Taft that aimed to use America's financial power to extend its influence.

The Great War

Another name for World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918.

Militarism

The belief that a country should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

His assassination in 1914 sparked the outbreak of World War I.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany's military strategy to quickly defeat France and then move to fight Russia.

Lusitania

British passenger liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, contributing to U.S. entry into WWI.

Unrestricted submarine warfare

German policy of sinking ships without warning, leading to U.S. involvement in WWI.

Zimmerman Note

A secret proposal from Germany to Mexico to join them against the U.S.

Russian Revolution

The revolution in 1917 that led to the rise of the Bolsheviks and Russia's exit from WWI.

Selective Service Act of 1917

Legislation that authorized the draft of American soldiers for service in WWI.

Espionage Act of 1917

Law that imposed penalties for wartime spying and interference.

Sedition Act of 1918

Law prohibiting speech that criticized the U.S. government during WWI.

Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North during WWI.

Armistice Day

November 11, 1918, when fighting in WWI ceased.

14 Points

Wilson's proposals for peace following WWI, including the establishment of the League of Nations.

League of Nations

An international organization established after WWI to promote peace and cooperation.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that ended WWI and imposed heavy reparations on Germany.

Henry Cabot Lodge

Senator who opposed the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

Election of 1920

An election characterized by debates over isolationism and the aftermath of WWI.

“Normalcy”

A return to pre-war normalcy, popularized during the 1920 election.

Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to Northern cities during WWI era.

18th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that established Prohibition in the U.S.

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote.

Germany after WWI

Post-war conditions that led to economic difficulties and political instability in Germany.

Food Administration

U.S. agency created to manage food supply and rations during WWI.

John J. Pershing

Commander of American Expeditionary Forces in WWI.

Alvin York

American soldier during WWI who earned the Medal of Honor.

Peace talks

Negotiations to end hostilities and establish peace following WWI.

Sedan Day

Day commemorating the end of WWII hostilities.

American Anti-Imperialist League

Organization formed to oppose U.S. imperialism.

Guantanamo Bay

Naval base established in Cuba as a result of the Spanish-American War.

Cuba

Country that became a U.S. protectorate after the Spanish-American War.

USS Oregon

U.S. warship that traveled 14,000 miles in 66 days during the Spanish-American War.

Rough Riders

Volunteer cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Puerto Rico

Territory ceded to the U.S. from Spain following the Spanish-American War.

Cuban American Relations

Relationship dynamics established following the U.S. intervention in Cuba.

Militarism

The belief in a strong military capability and readiness.

Alliance System

A network of treaties and alliances that contributed to the outbreak of WWI.

Espionage

The act of spying to obtain secret information.

Schenck v. US

Supreme Court case establishing limits on free speech during wartime.

Selective service

System of drafting individuals into military service.

Imperialism Debate

Discussions regarding the ethics and impact of U.S. imperialism.

National Security

Protection of a nation's borders and territories against invasion or control.