Study Guide—Ch. 7-8 Imperialism and WWI

Social Darwinism

A theory that applies the concept of natural selection to human societies, justifying imperialist expansion.

Motivation for U.S. territorial claims

Economic interests, strategic military positioning, national prestige, and belief in cultural superiority.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict (1904-1905) driven by imperial ambitions over Korea and Manchuria.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China.

Sugarcane (Hawaii)

The crop that significantly increased U.S. interest in Hawaii.

Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii who opposed U.S. annexation.

U.S. motives for acquiring Hawaii

Strategic advantage, economic interests, and desire to expand territory.

American view of the Cuban revolt

Sympathy for Cuban rebels fighting against Spanish rule.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin America.

Big Stick Policy

A diplomatic policy emphasizing peaceful negotiation with the threat of military force.

Protectorate/Cuba

Cuba became a U.S. protectorate after the Spanish-American War.

Boxer Rebellion

A nationalist uprising in China (1899-1901) against foreign influence.

USS Maine

An American naval ship whose explosion led to public outrage for intervention in Cuba.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 amendment allowing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.

Dollar Diplomacy

A U.S. policy promoting American financial interests through economic means.

Moral Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson's policy promoting democratic ideals over imperialism.

Panama Canal

An engineering project completed in 1914 connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Malaria

A tropical disease that was a major health obstacle in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Alliances and World War

Alliances can escalate conflicts into multi-national wars.

Allied Powers

The coalition in WWI including the U.S., France, Britain, Russia, and Italy.

Schenck v. United States

Supreme Court case that upheld restrictions on free speech in wartime (1919).

Trench Warfare

A type of combat characterized by deep ditches and horrific living conditions during WWI.

U.S. Neutrality

Initially, the U.S. maintained neutrality in WWI before entering in 1917.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner sunk by a German U-Boat, shifting U.S. public opinion towards war.

Committee of Public Information

A U.S. agency established to promote war propaganda during WWI.

Liberty Bonds/War Bonds

Bonds sold to finance military operations during WWI.

14 Points

Wilson's framework for achieving lasting peace after WWI.

WWI Outcome/Colonialism

The war led to significant changes and the collapse of colonial empires.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that officially ended WWI, imposing penalties on Germany.

WWI Outcome/U.S.

The U.S. emerged as a global power post-WWI with increased influence.

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The event that triggered the declaration of war in Europe.

Paris Peace Conference/President Wilson

The 1919 conference where peace terms were negotiated with Wilson advocating for his 14 Points.

1918 Sedition Act

Legislation making it a crime to speak against the government during WWI.