AP U.S. History Vocab Period 7A

William H. Seward (7.2)

Secretary of State who promoted U.S. expansion overseas.

Significance: Helped push American imperialism before it was popular (ex: Alaska purchase).

Example: Purchase of Alaska (1867) → “Seward’s Folly”

Monroe Doctrine (7.2)

Policy warning European powers not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Significance: Became a justification for later U.S. intervention and imperialism.

Example: Used to justify the Roosevelt Corollary and U.S. intervention in Latin America

Queen Liliuokalani (7.2)

Last queen of Hawaii, overthrown by American planters.

Significance: Her removal led to U.S. annexation of Hawaii

Example: Overthrown by American sugar planters backed by U.S. Marines

Pan-American Conferences (7.2)

Meetings to promote cooperation among Western Hemisphere nations.

Significance: Increased U.S. political and economic influence in Latin America.

Example: U.S. pushed trade cooperation that favored American businesses

Alfred Thayer Mahan (7.2)

Naval officer and historian who argued sea power was key to greatness.

Significance: Encouraged building a strong navy and overseas expansion

Example: Advocated naval bases in Hawaii and the Caribbean

Darwinism / Social Darwinism (7.2)

Belief that stronger nations naturally dominate weaker ones.

Significance: Used to justify imperialism and expansion.

Example: Used to argue that Americans were “more advanced” than Filipinos

Josiah Strong (7.2)

Protestant minister who promoted Anglo-Saxon superiority.

Significance: Linked religion and racism to imperialist ideology.

Example: Claimed U.S. had a Christian duty to civilize others

“Jingoism” (7.3)

Extreme nationalism and aggressive foreign policy.

Significance: Helped push the U.S. toward war with Spain.

Example: “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”

Cuban Revolt (7.3)

Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule.

Significance: Drew U.S. sympathy and involvement.

Example: Spain’s reconcentration camps reported in U.S. newspapers

Yellow Journalism (7.3)

Sensationalized news reporting to attract readers.

Significance: Inflamed public opinion in favor of war.

Example: Hearst & Pulitzer exaggerated Spanish atrocities

Sinking of the USS Maine (7.3)

Explosion of a U.S. battleship in Havana Harbor.

Significance: Sparked the Spanish-American War.

Example: Explosion blamed on Spain despite no proof

Teller Amendment (1898) (7.3)

Declared the U.S. would not annex Cuba.

Significance: Appeased anti-imperialists (though later undermined).

Example: Promised Cuba independence → later contradicted by Platt Amendment

George Dewey (7.3)

U.S. naval commander who defeated Spain in the Philippines.

Significance: Demonstrated American naval power.

Example: Victory at Battle of Manila Bay

Rough Riders (7.3)

Volunteer cavalry led by Theodore Roosevelt.

Significance: Became symbols of American bravery and nationalism.

Example: Charge up San Juan Hill

Treaty of Paris (1898) (7.3)

Ended the Spanish-American War.

Significance: U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Example: U.S. gains Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines

Emilio Aguinaldo (7.3)

Filipino nationalist leader.

Significance: Led resistance against U.S. rule in the Philippines.

Example: Led Filipino resistance in Philippine-American War

Anti-Imperialist League (7.3)

Group opposing U.S. imperialism.

Significance: Argued imperialism betrayed American values.

Example: Mark Twain criticized U.S. actions in the Philippines

Insular Cases (7.3)

Supreme Court cases on rights in U.S. territories.

Significance: Ruled full constitutional rights did not automatically apply.

Example: Puerto Ricans did not receive full constitutional rights

Platt Amendment (1901) (7.3)

Limited Cuban independence and allowed U.S. intervention.

Significance: Made Cuba a U.S. protectorate.

Example: U.S. military intervention in Guantánamo Bay

Spheres of Influence (7.3)

Areas where foreign nations had exclusive trading rights.

Significance: U.S. feared exclusion from China.

Example: Britain, France, Germany dividing China into trade zones

Open Door Policy (7.3)

Policy calling for equal trade access in China.

Significance: Protected U.S. economic interests abroad.

Example: U.S. demanded equal trade access in China

Boxer Rebellion (7.3)

Chinese uprising against foreign influence.

Significance: U.S. joined the international force to suppress it.

Example: U.S. troops joined international force to suppress uprising

“Big Stick” Diplomacy (7.3)

Policy of negotiating peacefully while threatening force.

Significance: Expanded U.S. influence, especially in Latin America.

Example: Threat of force used to secure Panama Canal

Theodore Roosevelt (7.3)

President who expanded American power overseas.

Significance: Strengthened military, enforced Monroe Doctrine.

Example: Mediated Russo-Japanese War (won Nobel Peace Prize)

Panama Canal (7.3)

Canal connecting Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Significance: Boosted trade and U.S. naval power.

Example: U.S. supported Panama’s independence from Colombia

Roosevelt Corollary (7.3)

Addition to Monroe Doctrine allowing U.S. intervention.

Significance: Justified policing Latin America.

Example: U.S. intervened in Dominican Republic

Gentlemen’s Agreement (7.3)

U.S.–Japan agreement limiting Japanese immigration.

Significance: Reduced tensions without formal law.

Example: Japan limited passports to U.S.; U.S. ended school segregation in CA

Great White Fleet (7.3)

U.S. naval fleet sent around the world.

Significance: Demonstrated American military strength.

Example: 16 battleships circled the globe

William Howard Taft (7.3)

President who favored economic influence abroad.

Significance: Shifted from military to financial control.

Example: U.S. investments in Latin America

Dollar Diplomacy (7.3)

Using economic power instead of military force.

Significance: Expanded U.S. influence through investment.

Example: U.S. banks loaned money to Nicaragua

Woodrow Wilson (7.3)

President who promoted moral diplomacy.

Significance: Intervened abroad to spread democracy.

Example: Military interventions in Mexico, Haiti

Lincoln Steffens (7.4)

Muckraking journalist exposing political corruption.

Significance: Pushed for government reform.

Example: The Shame of the Cities exposed urban corruption

Ida Tarbell (7.4)

Journalist who exposed Standard Oil’s abuses.

Significance: Helped fuel antitrust reforms.

Example: The Shame of the Cities exposed urban corruption

Jacob Riis (7.4)

Photojournalist who exposed urban poverty.

Significance: Inspired housing and sanitation reforms.

Example: How the Other Half Lives showed tenement conditions

Secret Ballot (7.4)

Voting system protecting voter privacy.

Significance: Reduced political corruption.

Example: Reduced vote-buying by political machines

Robert La Follette (7.4)

Progressive reform governor and senator.

Significance: Led state-level democratic reforms.

Example: Wisconsin Idea → regulation of railroads & utilities

Direct Primary (7.4)

Elections where voters choose party nominees.

Significance: Weakened political machines and party bosses.

Example: Voters chose candidates instead of party bosses

Direct Election of U.S. Senators (7.4)

Definition: Reform allowing voters to elect senators directly.

Significance: Reduced corruption and increased democracy.

Examples: Ended selection by state legislatures + Reduced influence of political machines

17th Amendment (1913) (7.4)

Definition: Constitutional amendment mandating direct election of senators.

Significance: Expanded popular control of government.

Examples: Progressive reform + Increased voter participation

Initiative (7.4)

Definition: Process allowing citizens to propose laws.

Significance: Increased direct democracy.

Examples: Voter-proposed legislation, Bypassed legislatures

Referendum (7.4)

Definition: Vote by citizens on laws passed by legislatures.

Significance: Allowed voters to approve or reject laws.

Examples: Ballot votes, Progressive political reform

Recall (7.4)

Definition: Process allowing voters to remove elected officials.

Significance: Increased accountability.

Examples: Removal of corrupt officials, Voter petitions

Temperance and Prohibition (7.4)

Definition: Movement to reduce or ban alcohol consumption.

Significance: Linked alcohol to social problems.

Examples: Saloon reform and Women-led activism

National Child Labor Committee (7.4)

Definition: An organization advocating child labor laws.

Significance: Raised awareness of child exploitation.

Examples: Factory investigations + Support for legislation

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911) (7.4)

Definition: Factory fire killing 146 workers.

Significance: Led to workplace safety reforms.

Examples: Led to Locked exits and Fire safety codes

“Square Deal” (7.4)

Definition: Theodore Roosevelt’s domestic reform program.

Significance: Balanced interests of labor, business, and consumers.

Examples: Consumer protection and Trust regulation

Trust-Busting (7.4)

Definition: Government action against monopolies.

Significance: Curbed corporate power.

Examples: Northern Securities case and Sherman Antitrust Act enforcement

Elkins Act (1903) (7.4)

Definition: Law banning railroad rebates.

Significance: Strengthened federal regulation of railroads.

Examples: Fair shipping rates and ICC authority

The Jungle (7.4)

Definition: Novel exposing meatpacking abuses.
Significance: Sparked food safety reforms.

Upton Sinclair (7.4)

Definition: Muckraking author.

Significance: Used journalism to promote reform.

Examples: The Jungle

Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) (7.4)

Definition: Law regulating food and medicine.
Significance: Protected consumers.

Meat Inspection Act (1906) (7.4)

Definition: Law requiring inspection of meat products.

Significance: Improved food safety.

Examples: Clean processing standards

Conservation (7.4)

Definition: Protection and management of natural resources.

Significance: Preserved land for future generations.

Examples: National parks and Forest reserves

16th Amendment (1913) (7.4)

Definition: Authorized federal income tax.

Significance: Provided funding for reforms.

Examples: Progressive taxation, Reduced reliance on tariffs

Eugene V. Debs (7.4)

Definition: Socialist leader and labor activist.

Significance: Challenged capitalism and supported workers.

Examples:Labor strikes, Socialist Party campaigns

Bull Moose Party (Progressive Party) (7.4)

Definition: Third party formed by Theodore Roosevelt.

Significance: Split Republicans and advanced reform ideas.

Examples: Women’s suffrage support

New Nationalism (7.4)

Definition: Roosevelt’s reform platform.

Significance: Expanded federal regulation of business.

Examples: Trust regulation and Social welfare

New Freedom (7.4)

Definition: Woodrow Wilson’s reform program.

Significance: Focused on small business and competition.

Examples: Antitrust laws and Banking reform

Underwood Tariff (1913) (7.4)

Definition: Law lowering tariffs.

Significance: Reduced consumer costs and trade barriers.

Examples: Democratic reform, Income tax compensation

Federal Reserve Board (1913) (7.4)

Definition: Central banking system.

Significance: Stabilized the U.S. economy.

Examples: Regulated currency —> Controlled interest rates

Clayton Antitrust Act (1914) (7.4)

Definition: Law strengthening Sherman Antitrust Act.

Significance: Protected labor unions.

Examples: Legalized strikes and Banned unfair practices

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (7.4)

Definition: Agency regulating unfair business practices.

Significance: Enforced consumer protections.

Examples: Monitored corporations, Prevented monopolies

Child Labor Act (1916) (7.4)

Definition: Law limiting child labor.

Significance: Protected children’s welfare.

Examples: Factory restrictions, Age limits

Booker T. Washington (7.4)

Definition: African American educator and leader.

Significance: Advocated gradual progress through education.

Examples: Tuskegee Institute, Atlanta Compromise

W. E. B. Du Bois (7.4)

Definition: African American intellectual and activist.

Significance: Demanded immediate civil rights.

Examples: Talented Tenth, NAACP founder

NAACP (1909) (7.4)

Definition: Civil rights organization.

Significance: Fought racial discrimination through courts.

Examples: Used Legal challenges to win, Anti-lynching campaigns

National Urban League (7.4)

Definition: Organization helping African Americans migrate to cities.

Significance: Supported economic opportunity.

Examples: Job training, Housing assistance

National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) (7.4)

Definition: Organization advocating women’s voting rights.

Significance: Led to women’s suffrage.

Examples: Lobbying Congress, State-by-state campaigns

Alice Paul (7.4)

Definition: Militant suffrage leader.

Significance: Pushed suffrage through protest and civil disobedience.

Examples: White House picketing, Hunger strikes, Inspired NWP tactics

National Woman’s Party (NWP) (7.4)

Definition: Radical suffrage organization led by Alice Paul.

Significance: Pressured federal government for a constitutional amendment.

Examples: Pickets, Arrests, Amendment focus

19th Amendment (1920) (7.4)

Definition: Granted women the right to vote.

Significance: Expanded democracy nationwide.

League of Women Voters (7.4)

Definition: Organization formed after suffrage victory.

Significance: Educated women on civic participation.

Examples: Voter education, Policy advocacy

Margaret Sanger (7.4)

Definition: Birth control activist.

Significance: Advanced women’s reproductive rights.

Examples: Birth control clinics

Allied Powers (7.5)

Definition: Nations opposing the Central Powers.

Significance: Included the U.S. after 1917.

Examples: Britain, France, Russia (until 1917)

Central Powers (7.5)

Definition: Germany and its allies.

Significance: U.S. fought against them in WWI.

Examples: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire

Submarine Warfare (7.5)

Definition: German use of U-boats to sink ships.

Significance: Threatened U.S. neutrality.

Examples: Unrestricted submarine warfare, Attacks on neutral ships

Lusitania (1915) (7.5)

Definition: British passenger ship sunk by Germany.

Significance: Turned U.S. public opinion against Germany.

Examples: 128 Americans killed, International outrage

Sussex Pledge (1916) (7.5)

Definition: German promise to limit submarine attacks.

Significance: Temporarily eased tensions with U.S.

Examples: Warning before attacks —> Later broken

Zimmermann Telegram (1917) (7.5)

Definition: German proposal to Mexico for alliance.

Significance: Direct cause of U.S. entry into WWI.

Examples: Promise to M.X. of U.S. territory, British interception

Russian Revolution (1917) (7.5)

Definition: Overthrow of Russian monarchy.

Significance: Removed Russia from the war.

Examples: Bolsheviks, Treaty of Brest-Litovsk

American Expeditionary Force (AEF) (7.5)

Definition: U.S. troops sent to Europe.

Significance: Helped turn tide against Germany.

Examples: Led by John J. Pershing, Fresh manpower

Western Front (7.5)

Definition: Main fighting front in Western Europe.

Significance: Site of trench warfare.

Examples: France, Belgium

“Peace without victory” (7.5)

Definition: Wilson’s call for fair peace.

Significance: Sought long-term global stability.

Examples: No punitive peace, Idealistic diplomacy

Fourteen Points (1918) (7.5)

Definition: Wilson’s peace plan.

Significance: Promoted self-determination and peace.

Examples: Free trade and League of Nations

Big Four (7.5)

Definition: Leaders at Versailles Conference.

Significance: Dominated peace negotiations.

Examples: Wilson, Clemenceau, Lloyd George, and Orlando

Treaty of Versailles (1919) (7.5)

Definition: Peace treaty ending WWI.

Significance: Punished Germany harshly.

Examples: War guilt clause, Reparations

League of Nations (7.5)

Definition: International peace organization.

Significance: U.S. never joined.

Examples: Collective security, Wilson’s vision

Henry Cabot Lodge (7.5)

Definition: Senate leader opposing League of Nations.

Significance: Prevented U.S. ratification.

Examples: Reservations, Isolationism

Food Administration (7.6)

Definition: Agency managing food supplies.

Significance: Supported war effort.

Examples: Meatless Mondays

National War Labor Board (7.6)

Definition: Mediated labor disputes.

Significance: Prevented strikes.

Examples: Wage increases, 8-hour workday

Selective Service Act (1917) (7.6)

Definition: Military draft law.

Significance: Expanded army quickly.

Examples: Millions drafted, Mandatory service

Committee of Public Information (CPI) (7.6)

Definition: Government propaganda agency.

Significance: Mobilized public support.

Examples: Posters, Four-Minute Men

Espionage Act (1917) (7.6)

Definition: Law against interference with war effort.

Significance: Limited free speech.

Examples: Anti-draft punishment, Arrests

Sedition Act (1918) (7.6)

Definition: Banned criticism of government.

Significance: Expanded censorship.

Examples: Jailing dissenters, Political repression

Schenck v. U.S. (1919) (7.6)

Definition: Supreme Court case limiting speech.

Significance: Established “clear and present danger.”

Examples: Due to the anti-draft speaches — > Free speech limits

Great Migration (7.6)

Definition: Movement of African Americans north.

Significance: Changed urban demographics.

Examples: Factory jobs, Chicago, Detroit

Red Scare (7.6)

Definition: Fear of communism.

Significance: Fueled repression.

Examples: Arrests, Deportations

Palmer Raids (1919–1920) (7.6)

Definition: Raids targeting radicals.

Significance: Violated civil liberties.

Examples: Mass arrests, No warrants

Race Riots (1919) (7.6)

Definition: Violent racial conflicts.

Significance: Result of migration and competition.

Examples: In Chicago, “Red Summer”