Unit 3: US Imperialism & WWI

Imperialism

Political, military, and economic domination of strong nations over weaker territories

Alfred Mahan

An American naval officer and historian who urged American leaders to build a stronger navy and to obtain naval bases in Cuba, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Was also an early proponent of building a canal through Central America.

Queen Liluokalani

Succeeded her brother King Kalakaua in 1891 as the leader of the Hawaiian people, was the first and only reigning Hawaiian queen, the last Hawaiian sovereign to govern the islands, and was overthrown in 1983.

Sanford Dole

Played an important role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Was elected president of the Provisional Government after the overthrow, and petitioned the American government to annex the Hawaiian Islands + became first governor.

Yellow Press

Newspapers that used sensational headlines and exaggerated stories in order to promote readership.

Jingoism

Aggressive nationalism; support for warlike foreign policy.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Was the leader of the Filipino forces against Spain in the 1890s, helped organize an insurrection against U.S. rule, was captured by U.S forces in 1901, ending the Filipino’s fight for independence.

Treaty of Paris

An agreement signed by the United States and Spain in 1898, which officially ended the Spanish American War.

Insurrection

Rebellion; a violent uprising against an authority/government.

Guerrilla Warfare

Nontraditional combat methods.

Spheres of Influence

A region dominated and controlled by an outside power.

Gentlemen’s Agreement

Pact between United States and Japan to end segregation of Asian children in San Francisco public schools; in return, Japan agreed to limit the emigration of its citizens to the United States.

Foraker Act

Law establishing a civil government in Puerto Rico.

Platt Amendment

Set of conditions under which Cuba was granted independence in 1902, including restrictions on rights of Cubans and granting the U.S. the “right to intervene” to preserve order in Cuba.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s policy of creating and using, when necessary, a strong military to achieve America’s goals.

Panama Canal

Human-made waterway linking the Atlantic to the Pacific across the Isthmus of Panama.

Roosevelt Corollary

Theodore Roosevelt’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; loaning money to Latin American countries to prevent debt to European powers.

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson’s statement that the U.S. would not use force to assert influence in the world, but would instead work to promote human rights. Only recognized Democratic countries or countries not hostile to us.

Francisco “Pancho” Villa

A Mexican revolutionary and guerrilla leader whose forces killed 18 Americans in New Mexico in 1916. This resulted in U.S. General John J. Pershing’s unsuccessful expedition into Mexico w/ 10,000 troops to capture/punish this guy.

Western Front

Battle front between the Allies and Central Powers in Western Europe during WWI.

Contraband

Goods prohibited by law or treaty from being imported or exported.

Lusitania

British passenger liner sunk by a German U-Boat during WWI.

Zimmerman Note

Telegram written by German Foreign Minister proposing an alliance between Germany and Mexico against the United States during WWI. Got United States involved in the war.

Selective Service Act

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

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

Federal government agency created during WWI to encourage Americans to support the war.

Conscientious Objectors

Person whose moral or religious beliefs forbid him or her to fight in wars.

Espionage Act

Act passed by Congress in 1917 enacting severe penalties for anyone engaged in disloyal or treasonable activities.

Great Migration

Movement of African Americans in the 20th century from the South to the North.

John J. Pershing

Commanded the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe during WWI. Served in the Philippines and Mexico earlier. Served as chief of staff of the U.S. Army after WWI.

American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

American forces in Europe during WWI.

Fourteen Points

List of terms for resolving WWI and future wars outlined by American President Woodrow Wilson.

Self-Determination

The right of people to choose their own form of government.

League of Nations

World organization established after WWI to promote peaceful cooperation among countries. United States did not join this, and Germany + Russia were permitted from joining.

Reparations

Payment for war damages.

Irreconcilables

Isolationist senators who oppose any treaty ending WWI that had a League of Nations folded into it.