Honors Unit 4: Imperialism and WWI Vocab

Annex

To incorporate or add a territory into an existing political unit, such as a state or nation (e.g., the U.S. acquisition of Hawaii in 1898).

Allies (WWI)

The military alliance consisting primarily of Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and later the United States.

Banana Republic

A politically unstable country in Latin America whose economy is dependent upon the export of a single limited-resource product and heavily influenced by foreign corporations.

Bond

A government-issued financial certificate sold to citizens to raise immediate funds for war (e.g., Liberty Bonds used during WWI).

Central Powers

The WWI military alliance made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria.

Cultural Superiority

The belief that one's own culture, race, or way of life is inherently better than others, used to justify foreign expansion and colonization (e.g., Social Darwinism).

Disarmament

The reduction or limitation of a nation's military forces and weapons, often mandated after a war.

Discrimination

The unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, or background.

Dollar Diplomacy

President William Howard Taft's foreign policy of using American financial influence and foreign investment to extend U.S. power, particularly in Latin America and East Asia.

Espionage

The practice of spying or using secret agents to gather sensitive political or military information about an enemy country.

Great White Fleet

A popular nickname for the powerful U.S. Navy battle fleet that completed a circumnavigation of the globe from 1907 to 1909 by order of President Theodore Roosevelt to showcase American naval power.

Imperialism

The policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence over weaker territories through diplomacy, economic domination, or military force.

Irreconcilables

A group of U.S. Senators who completely opposed the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and joining the League of Nations under any circumstances after WWI.

Isolationism

A national policy of avoiding involvement in world affairs, foreign alliances, and international conflicts.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

A 1928 international agreement in which signatory nations promised not to use war to resolve disputes or conflicts.

League of Nations

An international organization created after WWI by the Treaty of Versailles to promote cooperation and prevent future global wars.

Mobilization

The process of assembling, preparing, and organizing troops and supplies for active war service.

Nationalism

Intense pride and devotion to one's own nation, often accompanied by the belief that its interests are superior to those of other nations.

Open Door Policy

A policy proposed by the U.S. in 1899 stating that all nations should have equal opportunities to trade in China.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway cut across the Isthmus of Panama by the U.S., opening in 1914 to drastically shorten ocean trade and military voyages between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Platt Amendment

A 1901 amendment added to Cuba's constitution that gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and establish a military base at Guantanamo Bay.

Prejudice

An unfavorable opinion, bias, or pre-formed judgment held toward a group without knowledge, thought, or reason.

Prestige

High standing, respect, or influence achieved through wealth, success, or military power.

Propaganda

Information, rumors, or ideas deliberately spread to influence public opinion, boost morale, or demonize an enemy.

Racism

The belief that different races possess distinct characteristics or abilities and that one's own race is superior, often used to rationalize imperialism.

Reparations

Monetary payments demanded from a defeated nation after a war to compensate for damage and losses suffered by the victors.

Reservationists

A group of U.S. Senators led by Henry Cabot Lodge who were willing to ratify the Treaty of Versailles only if specific amendments or changes were made to protect American sovereignty.

Repression

The act of forcibly suppressing, restraining, or controlling freedom, political opposition, or speech.

Roosevelt Corollary

President Theodore Roosevelt's 1904 extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that the U.S. had the right to act as an 'international police power' in Latin America.

Rough Riders

The nickname given to the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, famous for their charge up San Juan Hill.

Sedition

Conduct or speech inciting public rebellion or resistance against the authority of a state or government.

Self-Determination

The right of a group of people or a nation to choose their own form of government and determine their own political status without outside interference.

Teller Amendment

An 1898 declaration by the U.S. Congress stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War and would leave control of the island to its people.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that officially ended World War I, severely punished Germany, and established the League of Nations.

World Peacekeeper

A nation or international body that assumes the role of maintaining international order and preventing war.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized, exaggerated, or biased news reporting designed to attract readers and sell newspapers.