Early Government and Foreign Policy Study Guide

A collection of key terms and definitions related to early U.S. government and foreign policy, designed for exam preparation.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. government with a weak central government and strong states; led to major problems.

Article 1, Section 8

Gives Congress powers such as tax, declare war, regulate trade, and raise an army.

Commander in Chief

The President controls the military.

George Washington’s Farewell Address

Warned against alliances and political parties, encouraged neutrality.

Realism

Foreign policy based on power and national interest.

Idealism

Foreign policy based on values, democracy, and peace.

The Monroe Doctrine

U.S. warns Europe to stay out of the Americas.

The War of 1812

Conflict between U.S. and Britain that proved U.S. independence.

The Mexican-American War

Conflict that resulted in the U.S. gaining large western lands.

The Spanish-American War

Conflict where the U.S. defeated Spain and became a global power.

Reconcentration Camps

Camps where Spain forced Cubans, leading to many deaths and outrage in the U.S.

USS Maine

U.S. ship that exploded in Cuba, pushing the U.S. toward war.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated news stories to influence public opinion.

League of Nations

Early global peace organization that the U.S. did not join.

Neutrality Acts

Laws to keep the U.S. out of foreign wars.

Liberal International Order

System of cooperation, trade, and democracy after WWII.

World Bank

Provides loans to rebuild and develop countries.

United Nations (UN)

Global organization to promote peace and cooperation.

NATO

Military alliance between the U.S. and Europe against communism.

Cold War

Period of political tension and military rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

The Berlin Airlift

U.S. effort to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade.

The Truman Doctrine

U.S. policy to stop communism anywhere.

Korean War

Conflict between communist North Korea and the U.S.-supported South Korea.

Pax Americana

Period of U.S. influence on global peace and order.

Vietnam War

Conflict where North Vietnam fought for independence from France.

The Geneva Accords

Agreement that temporarily split Vietnam into North (communist) and South.

Domino Theory

Theory that if one country becomes communist, neighboring countries will follow.

Viet Cong

Communist fighters in South Vietnam.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Alleged attack on U.S. ships by North Vietnam leading to increased military action.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Legislation granting the President authority to expand military action.

Tet Offensive

Major surprise attack by North Vietnam that impacted American morale.

The Pentagon Papers

Leaked documents showing government misled the public about the Vietnam War.

Anti-War Movement

A movement opposing the Vietnam War, involving various social groups.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil rights leader who spoke out against the Vietnam War.

Muhammad Ali

Boxer who refused to fight in Vietnam as a protest.

John Kerry

Veteran who criticized the Vietnam War.

Kent State Incident

Event where National Guard shot protesting students.