APUSH Vocabulary Unit 7

Frontier closed

The idea that the American frontier had been fully settled, as argued by Frederick Jackson Turner in 1893, marking the end of westward expansion.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often seen in U.S. expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between the U.S. and Spain, resulting in U.S. acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Philippino insurrection

A rebellion (1899–1902) by Filipinos against U.S. rule following the Spanish-American War, led by Emilio Aguinaldo.

Anti-imperialist

Someone opposed to U.S. expansion and imperialism, arguing it violated democratic principles.

Pluralistic

A society in which multiple diverse groups maintain their unique cultural identities while coexisting peacefully.

Progressive Era

A period (1890s–1920s) of social and political reforms aimed at reducing corruption, improving working conditions, and expanding democracy.

Journalists

Reporters who played a major role in exposing corruption and societal problems, often called "muckrakers" during the Progressive Era.

Progressive Amendments/Constitution

Refers to constitutional amendments passed during the Progressive Era, including the 16th (income tax), 17th (direct election of senators), 18th (Prohibition), and 19th (women’s suffrage).

Populists

A political movement of the late 19th century advocating for farmers' rights, direct democracy, and government control of railroads and banks.

National Parks

Protected areas of natural beauty, first established under Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation efforts.

Preservationists

Advocates for maintaining nature in its original state, opposing resource exploitation.

Conservationists

Supporters of responsible resource use and environmental protection, including figures like Theodore Roosevelt.

Quotas (immigration)

Laws limiting the number of immigrants from certain countries, particularly seen in the 1920s.

Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to Northern cities (1916–1970) in search of jobs and better opportunities.

Neutrality

A policy of staying out of foreign conflicts, particularly followed by the U.S. before entering World War I and II.

Modernization

The transformation of a society through industrialization, technological advancement, and urbanization.

Woodrow Wilson

U.S. president (1913–1921) known for leading the country during World War I and advocating for the League of Nations.

World War I

A global conflict (1914–1918) in which the U.S. joined the Allies in 1917 against the Central Powers.

Tradition v. innovation

A cultural and societal conflict between maintaining old ways and embracing new technology and ideas, especially in the 1920s.

American Expeditionary Force

The U.S. military force led by General John J. Pershing that fought in Europe during World War I.

Urban v. rural

The divide between city life and countryside traditions, especially significant in the 1920s.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy penalties on Germany and establishing the League of Nations.

Red Scare

A period of intense fear of communism in the U.S., occurring first after World War I and again after World War II.

Xenophobia

Intense fear or hatred of foreigners, influencing immigration policies and social attitudes.

Strikes

Labor protests demanding better wages and working conditions, especially common in the early 20th century.

Fundamentalist Christianity v. scientific modernism

A cultural conflict over religious beliefs versus scientific advancements, exemplified by the Scopes Trial.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural movement in the 1920s celebrating African American artistic and literary achievements.

Management v. labor

The ongoing conflict between business owners and workers over wages, hours, and conditions.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Woodrow Wilson to maintain peace, which the U.S. ultimately did not join.

Native born v. immigrants

Tensions between established U.S. citizens and new immigrants, often leading to restrictive policies.

Idealism v. disillusionment

The shift from optimism about progress and democracy to cynicism, particularly after World War I.

Business cycle

The natural fluctuation of the economy between periods of growth and recession.

Great Depression

A severe economic downturn (1929–1939) marked by high unemployment and widespread poverty.

Progressive Reform

A set of efforts in the early 20th century to address social and economic injustices.

Welfare state

A government system that provides social safety nets like unemployment benefits and Social Security.

Liberalism

A political ideology favoring government intervention in the economy and social justice.

FDR

U.S. president (1933–1945) who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.

New Deal

A series of programs and reforms initiated by FDR to combat the Great Depression.

Relief, recovery, reform

The three goals of the New Deal: immediate aid, economic stability, and long-term reform.

Supreme Court Limits on New Deal

Challenges by the Supreme Court to some of FDR’s programs, declaring them unconstitutional.

African-American political realignment

The shift of many Black voters from the Republican to the Democratic Party during FDR’s presidency.

Conservatives

Political figures and citizens who opposed expansive government intervention, particularly New Deal programs.

Interventionists v. isolationists

The debate over whether the U.S. should engage in global conflicts or remain neutral.

World War II

A global conflict (1939–1945) in which the U.S. joined the Allies after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

White v. black

Racial tensions and conflicts over civil rights throughout U.S. history.

Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on a U.S. naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, leading to U.S. entry into World War II.

Japanese Internment

The forced relocation of Japanese Americans to camps during World War II due to wartime fears.

Atomic bombs/weapons

Powerful nuclear weapons used by the U.S. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 to end World War II.

Axis Powers

The alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.

Allied Powers

The alliance of the U.S., Britain, Soviet Union, and others fighting against the Axis Powers in World War II.

Civil liberties

Basic rights and freedoms protected by law, often challenged during wartime.

D-Day Invasion

The June 6, 1944, Allied invasion of Normandy, France, marking a turning point in World War II.

Holocaust

The genocide of six million Jews and others by Nazi Germany during World War II.

Island Hopping

A U.S. military strategy in the Pacific during World War II, capturing strategic islands to move closer to Japan.

Nazi Concentration Camps

Brutal camps where the Nazis imprisoned and murdered millions, primarily Jews and other persecuted groups.

Japanese internment

The imprisonment of Japanese Americans in camps during World War II, a violation of their civil rights.