American History: Imperialism & World War 1

Imperialism

When a larger country takes over a smaller country for political, economic, or military reasons.

Why did the US imperialize?

To grow and expand their military, trade across the globe, to make money from resources found around the world.

The Spanish American War

A short war between the US and Spain that began in 1898 as a result of tension in Cuba and the explosion of the USS Maine.

Yellow Journalism

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the US in 1899, under which ALL nations would have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Diplomatic policy developed by T.R where the "big stick" symbolizes his power and readiness to use military force if necessary. It is a way of intimidating countries without actually harming them and was the basis of U.S. imperialistic foreign policy.

What caused World War 1?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism , Nationalism

Militarism

A policy of glorifying military power and keeping a standing army always prepared for war

Alliances

Agreements between nations to aid and protect one another

Nationalism

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne who was assassinated in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which triggered the Austro-Hungarians to pledge war against Serbia, which then initiated World War I.

Trench Warfare

A form of warfare in which opposing armies fight each other from trenches dug in the battlefield.

New weapons during WW1

Tanks, machine gun, gases, submarines

Lusitania

A British passenger ship that was sunk by a German U-Boat on May 7, 1915. 128 Americans died. The sinking greatly turned American opinion against the Germans, helping the move towards entering the war.

The Zimmerman Note

Message proposing an alliance between Germany and Mexico. Germany said if Mexico joined the war against the US, they would help them get back the territory of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This led to American involvement in WW1.

British Blockade

The British blockaded the German coast to prevent weapons and other military supplies from getting through the seas. American ships carrying goods for Germany refused to challenge the blockade. As a result, Germany had a famine and soldiers were starving to death

Propaganda

Ideas spread to influence public opinion for or against a cause.

Role of women during World War 1

Women took jobs in industry that had belonged to men, join the war as nurses, and helped get resources for soldiers. Their effort led to the passing of the 19th amendment.

19th amendment

Gave women the right to vote

Selective Service Act

Law passed by Congress in 1917 that required all men from ages 21 to 30 to register for the military draft

US Food Administration Board

Helped raise food for US soldiers by encouraging Americans to eat less of some foods and more of others.

The Committee on Public Information

Government organization that produced propaganda to help support the war effort. It proved that words were indeed weapons.

War Industries Board

Agency established during WWI to increase efficiency & discourage waste in war-related industries. Industries would go from producing peace time to war time goods.

Isolationism

A policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations

The Treaty of Versailles

The treaty imposed on Germany by the Allied powers in 1920 after the end of World War I which demanded Germany pay a lot of war reparations, lose their overseas colonies, and take full blame for causing WW1.

The League of Nations

An international organization formed in 1920 to promote cooperation and peace among nations. Goal was to create another world war from happening

Woodrow Wilson

President of the United States during WW1 who wrote and the 14 Points and encouraged the US to join the League of Nations

14 points

President Woodrow Wilson's plan for organizing post World War I Europe and for avoiding future wars. Points included: no secret treaties, freedom of the seas, the League of Nations, and new boundaries in Europe.