Chapter 19 (Unit 9 of APUSH): America on a world stage

Wilson’s “Liberal Internationalism”

A foreign policy approach advocating for the spread of democracy, free markets, and American influence through international engagement.

An Era of Intervention

A period in U.S. history where the government actively intervened in foreign nations, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, to protect economic and political interests.

TR’s “Big Stick Diplomacy”

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy of negotiating peacefully while maintaining a strong military presence as a deterrent.

Panama Canal

A waterway constructed between 1904 and 1914, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly improving global trade and military mobility.

Jimmy Carter

The 39th President of the U.S. (1977–1981), known for his focus on human rights, the Panama Canal Treaty, and the Camp David Accords.

Roosevelt Corollary (to Monroe Doctrine)

A 1904 addition to the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the U.S. would intervene in Latin America to prevent European intervention and maintain stability.

Examples of Intervention in Latin America

U.S. military interventions in nations like Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to protect American interests.

Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”

President William Howard Taft’s foreign policy that encouraged U.S. businesses to invest in Latin America and Asia to maintain influence and stability.

Wilson’s “Moral Imperialism”

Woodrow Wilson’s belief that the U.S. had a duty to spread democracy and morality worldwide, often justifying intervention.

Other examples of intervention in Latin America

U.S. occupation of Haiti (1915–1934), intervention in Nicaragua, and support for pro-American regimes.

Wilson and Mexico

Wilson’s policies toward Mexico, including non-recognition of Victoriano Huerta’s government and support for democratic movements.

Invasion of Mexico

U.S. military intervention in Mexico (1916–1917) in response to border instability and attacks by revolutionary forces.

Pancho Villa

A Mexican revolutionary leader who led raids into the U.S., prompting an American military expedition to capture him.

America and the Great War

The U.S. involvement in World War I (1917–1918), shifting from neutrality to active engagement in the conflict.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand/Origins of War

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914 triggered World War I due to entangled alliances.

Neutrality and Preparedness

The early U.S. stance of avoiding World War I while strengthening military readiness in case of eventual involvement.

Divided Allegiances in WWI

The U.S. population had mixed loyalties, with some supporting the Allies (Britain, France) and others favoring the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary).

British blockade/German Submarine Warfare

Britain's naval blockade of Germany and Germany’s use of unrestricted submarine warfare, targeting Allied and neutral ships.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 128 Americans and fueling anti-German sentiment in the U.S.

“Policy of Preparedness”

A movement advocating for strengthening the U.S. military before officially entering World War I.

The Road to War

Events leading to U.S. entry into World War I, including German submarine attacks and diplomatic conflicts.

Sussex Pledge

A 1916 German promise to stop unrestricted submarine warfare after sinking the Sussex, later broken in 1917.

Election of 1916

A U.S. presidential election where Woodrow Wilson won re-election with the slogan “He kept us out of war.”

Charles Evans Hughes

The Republican candidate in the 1916 election, who lost to Wilson despite advocating for military preparedness.

“Peace Without Victory”

Wilson’s proposal for a fair and lasting peace without punishing the losing side in World War I.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret German message to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S., intercepted and contributing to America’s entry into World War I.

Russian Revolution

The 1917 overthrow of the Russian monarchy, leading to Communist rule and Russia’s withdrawal from World War I.

American Declaration of War

The U.S. formally entered World War I on April 6, 1917, citing German aggression and the need to protect democracy.

The Fourteen Points/American War Goals

Wilson’s post-war plan promoting self-determination, free trade, and the League of Nations to prevent future conflicts.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Wilson to maintain world peace, though the U.S. never joined due to Senate opposition.

America’s Role in the War

The U.S. provided fresh troops, resources, and economic support, helping turn the tide in favor of the Allies.