APUSH Vocab

Alfred Thayer Mahan

A U.S. naval officer and historian whose writings on naval strategy influenced the development of the U.S. Navy and imperialist policies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii who was overthrown in 1893 by a group of American business interests, leading to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.

Pan-American Conference

A series of meetings between the United States and Latin American countries aimed at promoting economic cooperation and diplomatic relations.

Jingoism

Extreme patriotism, often associated with aggressive foreign policy or militarism, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cuban Revolt

The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in the late 19th century and led to the Spanish-American War in 1898.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized and often exaggerated news reporting that contributed to public support for the Spanish-American War.

De Lome Letter

A letter written by the Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. that criticized President William McKinley, contributing to tensions between the U.S. and Spain.

Teller Amendment

A 1898 amendment stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba, reinforcing the idea that the U.S. was not seeking imperial control over the island.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 amendment to the Cuban Constitution that restricted Cuba's sovereignty and allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Sphere of Influence

A region where a foreign nation has significant control or influence over economic, political, or military affairs.

George Dewey

A U.S. naval officer best known for his victory over the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Leader of the Filipino independence movement against Spain and later against the United States.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Hawaii

An island chain in the Pacific Ocean that was annexed by the United States in 1898.

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, known for his progressive domestic policies and leadership during the Spanish-American War.

Open Door Policy

A policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and prevent the division of China into exclusive spheres of influence.

Boxer Rebellion

A 1900 uprising in China led by nationalists against foreign influence, suppressed by an international coalition.

Panama Canal

A major engineering project completed in 1914, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

William Howard Taft

The 27th President of the United States, known for his foreign policy of 'Dollar Diplomacy.'

Dollar Diplomacy

A policy that sought to advance U.S. interests by using economic power and investments.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American countries.

Russo-Japanese War

A 1904-1905 conflict between Russia and Japan over control of territory, leading to Japan's rise as a world power.

Puerto Rico

An island ceded to the U.S. by Spain after the Spanish-American War and became a U.S. territory.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States, known for leading the U.S. during World War I and promoting the League of Nations.

Moral Diplomacy

A foreign policy strategy focusing on promoting democracy and human rights in U.S. foreign relations.

Pragmatism

A philosophical movement emphasizing practical solutions to problems.

Ida Tarbell

A muckraker journalist who exposed monopolistic practices of Standard Oil.

Jacob Riis

A journalist known for his photography and writing on poor living conditions in New York City.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices in the early 20th century.

Florence Kelley

A social reformer who fought for labor rights, including child labor laws.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

A deadly factory fire that led to significant labor reforms in workplace safety.

16th Amendment

The 1913 amendment that authorized the federal government to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

The 1913 amendment that established the direct election of U.S. Senators.

18th Amendment

The 1919 amendment that prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program aimed at ensuring fairness for all Americans.

Mann-Elkins Act

A 1910 law extending the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission to regulate telecommunications.

The Jungle (Upton Sinclair)

A novel that exposed unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry, leading to food safety reforms.

'Bull Moose' Party

The Progressive Party founded by Theodore Roosevelt advocating for progressive reforms.

Booker T. Washington

An African American leader advocating for vocational education and economic self-reliance.

W.E.B. Du Bois

An African American scholar advocating for immediate political and social equality.

NAACP

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded to fight for civil rights.

Alice Paul

A suffragist who played a key role in the campaign for the 19th Amendment.

19th Amendment

The 1920 amendment that granted women the right to vote.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat, contributing to U.S. entry into World War I.

Preparedness

A policy calling for military readiness before U.S. entry into World War I.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret communication proposing a military alliance with Mexico, contributing to U.S. entry into World War I.

John J. Pershing

The commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

George Creel

The head of the U.S. Committee on Public Information during World War I.

Bolsheviks

A radical socialist faction led by Vladimir Lenin that seized power in Russia in 1917.

Fourteen Points

A speech by President Wilson outlining his vision for a post-war peace settlement.

League of Nations

An international organization aimed at maintaining peace, established after World War I.