Key Foreign Policy Decisions to Know for AP History (copy)

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy asserting opposition to European colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere, aimed at establishing U.S. influence and protecting independent Latin American nations.

Roosevelt Corollary

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

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy aimed at promoting equal trading rights for all nations in China and preventing European monopolization of trade.

Spanish-American War

Conflict resulting from tensions over Spanish rule in Cuba and the explosion of the USS Maine, leading to U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Panama Canal Acquisition

The U.S. supported Panama’s independence from Colombia to secure control over canal construction, which shortened maritime trade routes.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points

A post-WWI plan proposed to promote peace and self-determination, including the creation of the League of Nations.

Neutrality Acts

Legislation intended to prevent U.S. involvement in foreign wars by restricting arms sales and loans to warring nations.

Lend-Lease Act

A policy allowing the U.S. to supply arms and resources to Allied nations without direct military involvement during WWII.

Truman Doctrine

A U.S. policy established to contain communism by providing economic and military aid to nations at risk of Soviet influence.

Marshall Plan

A U.S. initiative to provide financial aid to rebuild European economies after WWII and counter communist influence.

Containment Policy

A strategy aimed at preventing the global spread of communism through diplomatic, economic, and military measures.

NATO Formation

A collective defense pact among Western nations established to counter Soviet aggression.

Korean War

Conflict in which U.S.-led UN forces defended South Korea against the North Korean invasion, resulting in a maintained division at the 38th parallel.

Cuban Missile Crisis

A 1962 event where Soviet missile installations in Cuba brought the U.S. and USSR to the brink of nuclear war.

Vietnam War

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

A policy in the 1970s aimed at reducing Cold War tensions through diplomacy and arms control agreements.

Gulf War

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

War on Terror

The U.S. initiative that began after the 9/11 attacks, focusing on actions against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, leading to prolonged military engagements.