U.S. Imperialism and Progressivism Overview

This flashcard set covers essential vocabulary terms related to U.S. imperialism, Progressivism, the Great Depression, and their impacts on American society and foreign policy.

Economic Expansion

The growth of the U.S. economy through increased production and trade, a major cause of U.S. imperialism in the 1890s.

Social Darwinism

The belief that only the fittest survive in human political and economic struggle, used to justify imperialism.

Philippine-American War

A conflict between the U.S. and Filipino revolutionaries fighting for independence from U.S. control (1899–1902).

Big Stick Diplomacy

The foreign policy ideology of Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing military strength and diplomacy.

Roosevelt Corollary

The extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

Naval officer who emphasized the importance of sea power in achieving global influence.

Turner Thesis

The argument by Frederick Jackson Turner that the American frontier shaped democracy and individualism.

Progressive Movement

A social and political movement aimed at reforming government, business practices, and expanding democracy.

16th Amendment

Established the federal income tax in the U.S.

19th Amendment

Granted women the legal right to vote in the United States.

Square Deal

The domestic program of Theodore Roosevelt focused on consumer protection, natural resource conservation, and controlling corporations.

New Freedom

The campaign platform of Woodrow Wilson aimed at promoting economic opportunity and eliminating special privileges.

Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North for work during and after WWI.

14 Points

Woodrow Wilson's plan for peace following WWI outlining the goals for peace negotiations.

Harlem Renaissance

A cultural movement in the 1920s celebrating African American culture and arts.

Scopes Trial

A landmark legal case regarding the teaching of evolution in schools, reflecting the conflict between science and religion.

Immigration Act of 1924

Legislation that restricted immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe based on national quotas.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic depression in the 1930s caused by factors including overproduction and bank failures.

New Deal

A series of programs and reforms initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt to counteract the effects of the Great Depression.

CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)

A New Deal program providing jobs for young men to work on conservation projects.

Wagner Act

A 1935 law that protected the rights of workers to organize into unions.

Social Security Act

Legislation creating a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance.

Sedition Act

A law passed during WWI that limited free speech by criminalizing criticism of the government.