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