APUSH UNIT 7.1-7.5 KEY TERMS

Turner Thesis (Frontier Thesis) - Definition

A theory by Fredrick Jackson Turner that argued the American frontier was crucial in shaping the nations democratic institutions and character

Turner Thesis (Frontier Thesis) - Historical Thinking Skill

Continuity and Change Over Time - The role of the frontier in shaping American identity evolved as the frontier disappeared, prompting shifts in national focus

Open Door Policy - Definition

A U.S. policy advocating equal trading rights for all nation in China to prevent domination by any single power

Open Door Policy - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - This policy was a reaction to European spheres of influence in China and caused tensions with imperial powers

Monroe Doctrine - Definition

A policy declaring that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to further European colonization

Monroe Doctrine - Historical Thinking Skill

Continuity and Change Over Time - It represents a consistent U.S. effort to limit European influence in the Americas, though its application evolved over time

Anti-Imperialist League - Definition

A group that opposed American annexations of territories, arguing it contradicted democratic principles

Anti-Imperialist League - Historical Thinking Skill

Comparison - The League's views contrasted with those who supported imperial expansion for economic and strategic gains

Alfred Thayer Mahan - Definition

A naval strategist who argued that sea power was essential to national greatness and global influence

Alfred Thayer Mahan - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - His ideas directly influenced U.S. naval expansion and imperialist policies

Social Darwinism - Definition

The belief that certain races or nations were superior and destined to dominate others due to "survival of the fittest.”

Social Darwinism - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - It shaped policies and attitudes that encouraged expansionism and justified racial hierarchies

USS Maine - Definition

A U.S. battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War

USS Maine - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - The destruction of the USS Maine was a key event leading to the U.S. declaring war on Spain

Platt Amendment - Definition

An amendment that gave the U.S. control over Cuban affairs and allowed for the establishment of a naval base at Guantánamo Bay

Platt Amendment - Historical Thinking Skill

Continuity and Change Over Time - It highlights the ongoing American intervention in Latin America

Yellow Journalism - Definition

Sensationalized and exaggerated news stories designed to provoke public emotion and influence opinions

Yellow Journalism- Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - This type of journalism directly influenced public opinion and U.S. foreign policy

Muckrakers- Definition

Journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices during the Progressive Era

Muckrakers- Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - Their work led to significant reforms in labor laws and consumer protection

19th Amendment- Definition

Granted women the right to vote in the United States in 1920

19th Amendment - Historical Thinking Skill

Continuity and Change Over Time - It marked a shift in the role of women in politics and society

Square Deal - Definition

Theodore Roosevelt's domestic policy aimed at regulating corporations, protecting consumers, and conserving natural resources

Square Deal - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - It led to major reforms, including antitrust legislation

Zimmermann Telegram - Definition

A secret German communication urging Mexico to join the Central Powers in exchange for regaining lost territories if the U.S. entered World War I

Zimmermann Telegram - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - This event directly contributed to the U.S. joining the war

Lusitania - Definition

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing over 1,000 people, including Americans

Lusitania - Historical Thinking Skill

Causation - This event escalated U.S. opposition to Germany and pushed the nation closer to war

Fourteen Points - Definition

President Woodrow Wilson's post-war plan for peace, emphasizing self-determination and the League of Nations

Fourteen Points - Historical Thinking Skill

Continuity and Change Over Time - The plan represented a shift toward multilateral diplomacy, though not all points were adopted