theme 5

American Imperialism

The main goals during the 1890s included territorial expansion, economic dominance, and spreading American values.

Social Darwinism

A belief that justified imperialism, suggesting that stronger nations had the right to dominate weaker ones.

White Man’s Burden

The idea that it was the moral obligation of white nations to civilize non-white populations, reflecting imperialist motivations.

Gilded Age influence on imperialism

Economic growth and a desire for overseas markets led to American expansion during the 1890s.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist news reporting that exaggerated events to provoke public sentiment and political action.

Outcome of the Spanish-American War significance

It established the U.S. as a colonial power and resulted in territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Anti-imperialists

Opponents of imperialism who argued against dominating nations and annexing territories.

America’s role in China after the Boxer Rebellion

The U.S. increased its influence, supporting the Open Door Policy to ensure equal trading rights.

Big Stick Diplomacy

The policy of negotiating peacefully while carrying a big stick (military force) as a threat.

Dollar Diplomacy

Using economic means to extend international influence, particularly in Latin America.

Moral Diplomacy

Promoting democratic ideals and moral principles in foreign policy.

Panama Canal impact

Enhanced U.S. economic and political power by shortening trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Insular Cases ruling

Held that constitutional rights do not automatically extend to territories, impacting Filipino rights.

Roosevelt Corollary

An addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability.

USS Maine and the Spanish-American War

The explosion of the USS Maine sparked war sentiment, further fueled by yellow journalism.

Hawaiians' reaction in the 1890s

Opposition to U.S. annexation and loss of sovereignty under Queen Liliuokalani.

America’s position before WW1

Isolationist, focusing on domestic issues rather than European conflicts.

Reasons for U.S. declaring war on Germany

Unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram were key provocations.

Propaganda and Liberty Bonds

Used to encourage public support for the war effort and to finance military expenditures.

WW1 economic impact

The U.S. economy boomed with increased production and exports due to wartime demands.

Suffrage movement and WW1

The war boosted support for women's voting rights due to their contributions to the war effort.

Espionage and Sedition Acts of 1917

Laws that restricted free speech and allowed for the punishment of anti-war actions.

Congress's opposition to the Treaty of Versailles

Concern over entangling alliances and lack of support for League of Nations.

Wilson’s 14 Points

A proposal for peace emphasizing self-determination and open diplomacy, differing from punitive treaty terms.

Immigration limits post-WW1

Congress limited immigration to restrict the influx from Southern and Eastern Europe due to economic fears.

Cultural unification in the 1920s

Emergence of shared cultural experiences through mass media, consumerism, and music.

1920s prosperity illusion

Over-speculation and credit expansion created a false sense of wealth, leading to the Great Depression.

Three Rs of the New Deal

Relief, Recovery, and Reform aimed at addressing the economic crisis during the Great Depression.

Hoover vs. FDR on federal role

Hoover favored limited government intervention, while FDR promoted an active government role in the economy.

End of Great Depression

The mobilization for WW2 and wartime production ultimately ended the Great Depression.

America's position before WW2

A similar isolationist stance as before WW1, with reluctance to engage in foreign conflicts.

Reason for U.S. entry into WW2

The attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the U.S. to join the Allies in the war.

Lend-Lease Act

FDR's program to provide military aid to Allies while bypassing neutrality restrictions.

Jewish refugees and immigration quotas

The Statue of Liberty symbolizes America's historical role of welcoming immigrants.

FDR’s War Production Board

Oversaw war production and resource allocation to meet military and industrial demands.

Rationing during WW2

Consumer goods were rationed to support the war effort and ensure military supply.

Tuskegee Airmen significance

The first African American military aviators, proving their capabilities in combat and supporting desegregation.

FDR’s Executive Order 8802 impact

Banned discrimination in defense industries and set the stage for civil rights advancements.

FDR’s Executive Order 9066 impact

Authorized internment of Japanese Americans, violating civil liberties.

Korematsu v. United States ruling

The Supreme Court upheld internment as a wartime necessity, compromising civil liberties.

Minority groups in WW1 and WW2

Engaged in crucial roles, like the Navajo code talkers, contributing to military success.

Truman's justification for atomic bombs

To quickly end the war and save lives by avoiding a costly invasion of Japan.

United Nations post-WW2

Addressed atrocities and established legal frameworks to prevent war crimes and protect civilians.

U.S. role in international cooperation post-WW2

Shifted from isolationism to active participation in global governance and alliances.