U.S. Imperialism and Progressivism

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to U.S. imperialism and progressivism, which are essential for understanding the historical context and events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

imperialists

Opponents of American overseas territorial expansion who argued against extending U.S. territory beyond its continental borders.

competition with European empires

The rivalry between the United States and European powers for global influence, territory, and resources in the late 19th century.

economic opportunities

Prospects for financial gain and prosperity that motivated settlers to migrate westward, including farming, mining, and trade.

imperialists (advocates)

Supporters of American expansion of territory, culture, and institutions to peoples around the globe in the late 19th century.

isolationism

A U.S. foreign policy tradition of avoiding political and military involvement in the affairs of other nations.

Social Darwinism, racial hierarchy theories, and eugenics were manipulated to justify both imperialist expansion and anti-imperialist resistance. Imperialists claimed a "civilizing mission" (or "White Man's Burden")

Pseudo-scientific ideologies used to justify both imperialist expansion and anti-imperialist resistance during the late 19th century.

self-determination

The principle that peoples have the right to determine their own political status and form of government without external interference.

Western frontier

The expanding boundary of American settlement and territorial control that was perceived as 'closed' by the 1890s.

involvement in Asia

Increased American political, military, and economic engagement in Asian affairs following the Spanish-American War.

island territories aquired from Spain following the Spanish American war(1898)

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain.These territories were acquired by the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898, leading to significant political, economic, and social changes.

nationalist movement

A political movement seeking independence or self-determination for a particular nation or people, such as the Filipino independence movement.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 between the United States and Spain that resulted in American victory and territorial expansion.

U.S. acquisition

The process by which the United States obtained control of new territories as a result of the Spanish-American War.

conservationists

Advocates who supported the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources through scientific management and government regulation.

economic inequality

The unequal distribution of income and wealth among individuals and groups in society.

expand democracy

Progressive efforts to increase popular participation in government through reforms like direct primaries and recall elections.

federal legislation

Laws passed by Congress at the national level to implement government policies and programs.

immigration restriction

Literacy tests, xenophobia, and labor concerns.

moral reform

Progressive efforts to address social problems and improve public morality through legislation and social change.

muckraking

Investigative journalism practiced by Progressive Era journalists who exposed political corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality.

national parks

Protected areas of land established and managed by the government to preserve natural landscapes and resources for public benefit.

overuse of natural resources

The excessive exploitation and depletion of natural resources beyond sustainable levels.

political corruption

Dishonest or unethical conduct by government officials and politicians.

popular participation in government

Direct involvement of citizens in democratic processes, which some Progressives advocated to expand.

preservationists

Advocates who sought to protect natural resources and wilderness areas from development and human use.

professional and technical experts

Specialists and trained professionals whom some Progressives believed should make government decisions to increase efficiency.

Progressive reform movement

An early 20th-century movement seeking to address political corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality.

prohibition

A Progressive constitutional amendment banning the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

regulate the economy

Government intervention through laws and policies to control business practices and prevent monopolies.

social injustice

Unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups in society.

women's suffrage

A Progressive constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote in elections.

Allies (World War I)

The coalition of nations including Britain, France, and Russia that fought against the Central Powers.

American Expeditionary Forces

The U.S. military forces sent to Europe during World War I.

democratic principles

Values based on democratic governance and self-determination.

humanitarian principles

Values centered on human welfare and the protection of human rights.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed after World War I to maintain peace.

neutrality

The policy of not taking sides in a conflict or war.

neutrality

A U.S. foreign policy tradition of avoiding military and political entanglement.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty ending World War I that the U.S. Senate refused to ratify.

Great Migration

The large-scale movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North and West.

immigration quotas

Legal limits on the number of immigrants allowed to enter a country.

labor activism

Organized efforts by workers to advocate for better working conditions and rights.

migration patterns

The movement of people from one geographic location to another.

nativism

A political movement favoring native-born citizens over immigrants.

Red Scare

A period of intense anti-communist fear and suspicion in the United States.

segregation

The forced separation of people based on race, enforced through laws and social practices.

war production

The manufacturing and supply of military equipment and materials needed during wartime.