Imperialism and WWI

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on Imperialism and WWI.

Imperialism

The idea that one country will dominate the political, military, and economic influences of all other countries in a region.

Transcontinental Railroad

Railroad that stretched across the United States; built after the Civil War to connect industry and caused issues with Native Americans.

Assimilate

To absorb; make something part of something else.

Chinese Exclusion Act

America's 1st immigration law; limited the number of Chinese immigrants allowed into the country to work on the Transcontinental Railroad.

Entrepreneur

A person that uses capitalism to start their own business to make a profit.

Monopoly

The use of both vertical and horizontal integration to drive out all competition in a business market.

Dawes Act

Act passed by Congress to assimilate Native American culture into American society.

Capitalism

Economic system allowing business owners to own all capital needed to produce a good with the aim of making a profit.

Social Darwinism

'Survival of the Fittest,' used by big businesses in the economic world to drive out smaller competition.

Horizontal Integration

When a business buys 'out' all of the competition, becoming the sole market provider for a particular product.

Vertical Integration

When a business acquires all capital needed to produce their good.

Bimetallism

The use of silver and gold to back paper currency, supported by common workers to increase money supply.

Robber Barons

'Cut throat' industrialists willing to use Social Darwinism to monopolize a product.

Political Machines

Corrupt political leaders who supported poor immigrants in return for political backing.

Muckrakers

Journalists that exposed corruption in businesses and political leaders during the Progressive Era.

Scabs

Workers hired to replace striking workers, often at lower wages, to keep industries running.

Craft Unions

Labor unions comprised of skilled workers that successfully represented their members' needs.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

Legislation making the creation of monopolies illegal to protect true capitalism.

Ghost Dance

Native American religious ritual performed to 'curse' the 'white man.'

Nativism

The belief that those born in a country are superior to immigrants and should be protected against them.

Populist Movement

A grassroots movement supported by farmers and common workers.

Yellow Journalism

A writing technique that exaggerates the truth to influence public opinion or propaganda.

Open Door Policy

An economic policy in China allowing all countries economic interests to trade openly.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating that America would use military force against European countries.

Dollar Diplomacy

Policy allowing bankers and the US government to lend money to Latin America to gain loyalty.

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson's principle that the US should protect the morality of countries practicing democracy.

Platt Amendment

A treaty removing US military forces from Cuba while reserving rights for a military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Lusitania

British passenger ship sunk by German U-boats, contributing to US entry into WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret communication from Germany to Mexico suggesting military alliance against the US.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's plan for post-WWI peace aimed at preventing future world wars.

League of Nations

An organization proposed by Wilson to unite Allied countries and prevent future wars.

Central Powers

The alliance of Germany and Austria-Hungary during WWI.

Franz Ferdinand

The Ausro-Hungarian heir whose assassination sparked the outbreak of WWI.

Panama Canal

The waterway built by the US in Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Militarism

The glorification and buildup of a nation's military capabilities.

Alliance System

A network of countries that support one another, particularly militarily.

Nationalism

Patriotism; the belief that one nation's interests are superior to others.'

USS Maine

The US naval ship that exploded in Havana, inciting public support for war against Spain.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Teddy Roosevelt's policy of using military force to protect US interests abroad.

Sphere of Influence

An area where one nation has significant cultural, economic, or military influence over others.