Untitled Flashcards Set

Purchase of Alaska

Acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867, which expanded U.S. territory.

Hawaiian Islands

Group of islands annexed by the United States in 1898 as part of its imperial expansion.

New Imperialism

A period marked by the expansion of European powers and the United States into Asia and Africa, focusing on colonization and economic dominance.

Economic interests

Motivations based on financial gain driving imperialist policies and actions.

Political and military power

The pursuit of influence and control through military means and governance, often seen in imperialistic endeavors.

Social fears

Concerns within a society regarding threats to its values, identity, or cohesion, often influencing imperial policies.

Darwinism and Religion

The intersection of evolutionary theory and religious beliefs during the period, which influenced social and political ideologies.

Popular press

Media that played a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting imperialistic sentiments through sensational stories.

Opposition to Imperialism

Various reasons including ethical concerns, economic drawbacks, and potential consequences of colonial rule.

Pan-American Diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts to promote cooperation among countries in the Americas.

Jingoism

An aggressive form of nationalism that advocates for foreign policy based on military intervention.

Cuban Revolt

An insurrection against Spanish rule in Cuba that contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.

Yellow journalism

Sensationalist news reporting that exaggerated facts to influence public opinion, particularly prior to the Spanish-American War.

De Lome Letter

A private correspondence criticizing President McKinley that fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in America.

Sinking of the Maine

An event that catalyzed U.S. entry into the Spanish-American War, following an explosion on an American battleship.

Teller Amendment

A resolution promising that the U.S. would not establish permanent control over Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Agreement ending the Spanish-American War, wherein Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.

Philippine Question

Debate over the status of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, addressing imperialism and sovereignty.

Anti-Imperialist League

Group founded to oppose the U.S. annexation of the Philippines and other territories.

Insular cases

A series of Supreme Court rulings that addressed the constitutional rights of inhabitants in U.S. territories.

Platt Amendment

Legislation restricting Cuba’s autonomy and allowing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.

Open Door Policy

U.S. policy aimed at allowing equal trade opportunities in China without territorial control.

Big Stick policy

Teddy Roosevelt’s foreign policy approach emphasizing negotiation backed by the threat of military force.

Panama Canal

Artificial waterway completed in 1914, vital for maritime trade, achieved through U.S. support of Panamanian independence.

Roosevelt Corollary

Extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention in Latin America to stabilize the region.

Gentlemen’s agreement

Informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan to limit Japanese immigration.

Dollar diplomacy

Foreign policy emphasizing the use of economic power to influence other countries.

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson’s policy of promoting democratic ideals overseas.

Jones Act

Law that granted citizenship to Filipinos and promised eventual independence.

Tampico Incident

A diplomatic conflict between the U.S. and Mexico that nearly led to military action.

Pancho Villa

Mexican revolutionary leader whose actions prompted a U.S. military expedition into Mexico.

Progressives

Movement aiming for social reform and addressing issues like labor rights, women's suffrage, and government corruption.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and societal issues during the Progressive Era.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal.

Recall

A procedure allowing voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

Social welfare

Programs aimed at providing assistance to individuals and families in need.

Child and Women Labor

The exploitation of children and women in the workforce, prompting reform movements.

Square Deal

The domestic program of President Theodore Roosevelt focusing on consumer protection, labor rights, and conservation.

Trust-Busting

Efforts to break up monopolies and trusts to promote competition.

Railroad regulation

Government oversight of railroad companies to ensure fair rates and practices.

Consumer Protection

Legislation and policies aimed at ensuring the rights of consumers.

Conservation

Preservation and management of natural resources and environment.

Socialist Party

Political party advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Election of 1912

Presidential election characterized by a split in the Republican Party, leading to a win for Woodrow Wilson.

New Nationalism

The progressive political philosophy of Theodore Roosevelt advocating for strong federal intervention.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson's platform promoting reforms and limited government intervention in the economy.

Banking Reform / Federal Reserve

Establishment of the Federal Reserve System to provide a safer and more flexible monetary system.

NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, aimed at combating racial discrimination.

Nineteenth Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote in 1920.

Margaret Sanger

Activist and nurse known for her work in birth control and women's reproductive rights.

Neutrality

The policy of not taking sides in conflicts or wars.

Freedom of the Seas

The principle that ships of any nation may travel freely in international waters.

Submarine warfare

Naval warfare in which submarines attack merchant ships, notably during WWI.

Lusitania Crisis

The 1915 sinking of a British ship by a German U-boat that killed American passengers, stirring anti-German sentiment.

Zimmermann Telegram

A secret communication from Germany proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S. during WWI.

Russian Revolution

The 1917 uprising that led to the downfall of the czar and the rise of the Bolsheviks.

Fourteen Points

Wilson's proposal for peace after WWI, outlining principles for a fair post-war order.

Schenck v. United States

Supreme Court case that upheld the Espionage Act, ruling that free speech could be limited in wartime.

American Expeditionary Force

The U.S. armed forces sent to Europe during World War I.

Great Depression

Severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted for the following decade.

New Deal

A series of programs and reforms enacted by Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression.

Social Security Act

Legislation providing a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance.

Lend-Lease Act

Program under which the U.S. supplied Allied nations with aid during WWII.

Atomic Bombs

Nuclear weapons used by the U.S. against Japan to end WWII.

United Nations

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation among countries.