WWI & U.S 20th Century Policies

Asia (U.S. foreign policy)

U.S. efforts to expand trade and influence in China and the Pacific, including the Open Door Policy.

Caribbean (U.S. foreign policy)

U.S. focus on controlling stability and trade routes while limiting European involvement.

Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)

A period of political upheaval in Mexico that created border instability and affected U.S. relations.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Roosevelt’s approach of using diplomacy backed by the threat of military force.

Panama Canal

A U.S.-constructed waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific, boosting trade and naval mobility.

Roosevelt Corollary

Policy stating the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to prevent European interference.

American Russo-Japanese War Intervention

Roosevelt’s diplomatic role in negotiating peace between Russia and Japan.

Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)

Agreement ending the Russo-Japanese War; earned Roosevelt the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft’s strategy of using U.S. financial investment to influence foreign nations.

Lodge Corollary

Policy preventing foreign powers from acquiring territory in the Western Hemisphere.

Good Neighbor Policy

FDR’s approach reducing military intervention in Latin America and promoting cooperation.

Nationalization

Government takeover of foreign-owned industries or property.

Porfirio Díaz

Longtime dictator of Mexico overthrown for corruption and inequality.

Victoriano Huerta

Military leader who seized control after Díaz, ruling as a dictator.

Pancho Villa

Northern Mexican revolutionary who also led raids into U.S. territory.

Venustiano Carranza

Revolutionary leader who became president and opposed U.S. intervention.

Zimmermann Telegram

German proposal urging Mexico to ally against the U.S., intercepted by Britain.

Schlieffen Plan

Germany’s strategy to defeat France quickly before fighting Russia.

Lusitania

British passenger ship sunk by Germany, killing Americans and increasing U.S. anger.

U-Boat

German submarine used in unrestricted submarine warfare.

Selective Service Act (1917)

Law requiring men to register for the military draft.

Espionage Act (1917)

Law banning interference with the draft or aiding U.S. enemies.

Sedition Act (1918)

Law criminalizing criticism of the government or war effort.

Enemy Alien Act

Allowed monitoring or detention of immigrants from enemy nations.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Supreme Court ruling allowing limits on free speech during wartime (“clear and present danger”).

Patriotism

Strong loyalty to one’s country, heavily promoted during WWI.

Propaganda

Government messaging designed to influence public opinion and support the war.

Harlem Hellfighters

African American regiment that fought bravely under French command.

Food and Fuel Control Act

Law regulating consumption to support the war effort.

Liberty Loan Act

Program encouraging Americans to buy war bonds to fund the war.

Samuel Gompers

AFL labor leader who supported the war in exchange for worker protections.

18th Amendment

Constitutional amendment banning alcohol by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It led to a rise in illegal bootlegging and organized crime as people found ways around the ban.

Volstead Act

Law enforcing the 18th Amendment by defining intoxicating liquor and establishing penalties for producing or selling it. Its strict 0.5% alcohol limit made Prohibition far harsher than many Americans expected.

Al Capone

Notorious gangster who profited from illegal alcohol trade.

19th Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote.