US Foreign Policy, WWI, and 1920s-30s Key Concepts

Dollar Diplomacy

Using economic power instead of military force to expand U.S. influence (Taft).

Wilsonian Idealism

Belief that democracy and peace should guide U.S. foreign policy (Wilson).

Sussex Pledge (1916)

Germany's promise to limit submarine warfare after attacking ships with Americans.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany sinking ships without warning → major reason U.S. entered WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram (1917)

German proposal for Mexico to join war vs U.S. in exchange for land.

Mobilization

Building up troops and industry for war.

Liberty Bonds

War bonds sold to Americans to finance WWI.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Supreme Court case allowing limits on free speech during wartime ("clear and present danger").

Fourteen Points

Wilson's plan for peace: no secret treaties, free trade, League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Ended WWI; punished Germany with reparations, blame, and lost land.

League of Nations

International organization meant to prevent future wars.

Knox-Porter Resolution (1921)

Officially ended U.S. involvement in WWI without joining League.

Return to Normalcy

Going back to pre-WWI life (Harding).

Isolationism

Avoiding foreign alliances and involvement.

Red Scare

Fear of communism in the U.S. after WWI.

Nativism

Favoring native-born Americans over immigrants.

Dawes Plan (1924)

U.S. loans to Germany to stabilize economy and repay war debts.

Ohio Gang

Corrupt group tied to Harding.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

Agreement to outlaw war (not enforced).

Tariffs (Fordney-McCumber / Smoot-Hawley)

Taxes on imports to protect U.S. businesses.

Pro-Business Mentality

Government policies supporting big business.

Harlem Renaissance

African American cultural movement in art, music, literature.

Great Migration

Movement of African Americans from South to North.

Flappers

Women challenging traditional roles in the 1920s.

Consumerism

Buying goods in large quantities, often on credit.

Jazz Age

Era of music, nightlife, and cultural change.

Speakeasies

Illegal bars during Prohibition.

Talkies / Radio

New entertainment technologies spreading culture.

Great Depression

Economic downturn starting with the Stock Market Crash in 1929.

Installment Buying

Buying goods over time with payments.

Buying on Margin

Buying stocks with borrowed money.

Stock Market Crash (1929)

Sudden collapse of stock prices → start of Great Depression.

Hoover

President during the onset of the Great Depression.

Rugged Individualism

Belief people should solve problems without government help.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns of homeless people.

Bonus Army (1932)

WWI veterans demanding early payment.

FDR / New Deal

Programs to fight the Great Depression.

3 R's

Relief, Recovery, Reform.

Alphabet Soup

New Deal agencies (CCC, AAA, etc.).

Dust Bowl

Severe drought and dust storms in Midwest → migration.

Who was Woodrow Wilson?

U.S. president during WWI; pushed neutrality then war; created Fourteen Points.

Who was Gavrilo Princip?

Serbian nationalist who assassinated Franz Ferdinand, starting WWI.

Who was Warren G. Harding?

Republican president promoting 'Return to Normalcy' and pro-business policies.

Who was Calvin Coolidge?

Conservative president supporting business and limited government.

Who was Herbert Hoover?

President during start of Great Depression; believed in rugged individualism.

What does 'wet' mean?

Opposed Prohibition (wanted alcohol legal).

What role did anti-Catholicism play in the 1928 election?

Prejudice against Catholics hurt Al Smith.

What was the Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922)?

Agreement to limit naval arms and avoid war.

What is pump-priming?

Government spending to stimulate economy.

Who was Franklin D. Roosevelt?

President who created New Deal to fight Great Depression.

How do the 1920s compare to earlier eras?

Like Gilded Age: pro-business, little regulation; Unlike Progressive Era: less reform; Leads to New Deal: more government again.

Still learning (1)

You've started learning these terms. Keep it up!