U.S. Foreign Policy Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in U.S. Foreign Policy.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

A U.S. policy asserting opposition to European colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere, aiming to establish U.S. influence and protect Latin American nations.

Roosevelt Corollary (1904)

An expansion of the Monroe Doctrine that declared U.S. authority to intervene in Latin American nations to maintain order and prevent European influence.

Open Door Policy (1899)

A policy to promote equal trading rights for all nations in China and prevent European powers from monopolizing trade.

Spanish-American War (1898)

A conflict sparked by tensions over Spanish rule in Cuba and the explosion of the USS Maine, resulting in the U.S. acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Panama Canal Acquisition (1903)

U.S. support for Panama’s independence from Colombia to secure control over canal construction, shortening maritime trade routes and strengthening U.S. global naval power.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918)

Post-WWI plan to promote peace, self-determination, and global cooperation, including the creation of the League of Nations.

Neutrality Acts (1930s)

Laws to prevent U.S. involvement in foreign wars by restricting arms sales and loans to warring nations due to rising isolationism.

Lend-Lease Act (1941)

Allowed the U.S. to supply arms and resources to Allied nations without direct military involvement, strengthening ties with Britain and the Soviet Union.

Truman Doctrine (1947)

A policy to contain communism by providing economic and military aid to nations at risk of Soviet influence, beginning with Greece and Turkey.

Marshall Plan (1948)

Financial aid provided to rebuild European economies after WWII and counter communist influence, helping to stabilize Western Europe.

Containment Policy (1947)

An objective to prevent the global spread of communism through diplomatic, economic, and military strategies, exemplified by the Korean War and Vietnam War.

NATO Formation (1949)

A collective defense pact among Western nations to counter Soviet aggression, establishing the U.S. as a leader in military and political alliances.

Korean War (1950–1953)

A conflict where U.S.-led UN forces defended South Korea against North Korean invasion, reinforcing the containment strategy.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

A Soviet missile installation in Cuba that brought the U.S. and USSR to the brink of nuclear war, resolved by the USSR withdrawing missiles.

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

A conflict where the U.S. supported South Vietnam to prevent a communist takeover by North Vietnam, resulting in high casualty rates and U.S. withdrawal.

Detente (1970s)

A policy to reduce Cold War tensions through diplomacy and arms control agreements, such as SALT and improved relations with China.

Gulf War (1990–1991)

A U.S.-led coalition that expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, demonstrating U.S. military dominance post-Cold War.

War on Terror (2001–Present)

A response to the 9/11 attacks, targeting Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, involving U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.