APUSH Vocabulary

APUSH all vocabulary

Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy made in 1823 that warned European nations against further colonization and intervention in the Americas. This doctrine established the Western Hemisphere as a sphere of American influence and marked a turning point in U.S. foreign relations, emphasizing a commitment to protecting emerging Latin American nations and asserting the United States' growing role on the global stage.

The Progressive Movement

The Progressive Movement was a social and political reform movement in the United States that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed at addressing issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. This movement sought to promote social justice, reduce the power of monopolies, improve labor conditions, and enhance democracy through various reforms such as women's suffrage and antitrust legislation.

Progressivism

Progressivism was a common desire to improve life in the industrial age, wanting to build on the existing society, making moderate political changes and social improvements through government action. Most shared the goals of limiting the power of big business, improving democracy for the people, and strengthening social justice. Achieving these goals often included a more active role for the federal government.

Square Deal

The Square Deal was President Theodore Roosevelt's domestic program aimed at ensuring fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses. It focused on three main goals: consumer protection, natural resource conservation, and curbing corporate excesses. This approach was a response to the social and economic inequalities of the early 20th century, striving to create a more equitable society.

Roosevelt Corollary

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine created in 1904, asserting the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order. It justified American intervention in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in cases of wrongdoing or financial instability, reinforcing the U.S. role as a regional police power.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's policy of promoting U.S. trade by supporting American enterprises abroad and investing in foreign economies. He adopted a foreign policy that was mildly expansionist but depended more on investors than the military.

Moral Diplomacy

Moral Diplomacy refers to a foreign policy strategy that emphasizes promoting moral values and ethical standards in international relations, particularly by supporting democratic governments and human rights. It is often associated with President Woodrow Wilson, who aimed to apply ethical considerations in U.S. foreign policy, especially during the events surrounding the Spanish-American War and its aftermath.

The Presidential Election of 1912

The Election of 1912 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States, marked by the presence of four major candidates: Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Eugene V. Debs. This election highlighted the deep divisions within the Republican Party and showcased the progressive movement's influence on American politics, leading to a significant realignment in political ideologies and party affiliations.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish American War was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. This war marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, signaling the nation's emergence as a global imperial power and establishing its presence in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

Yellow journalism

Yellow Journalism refers to a style of sensationalized and exaggerated reporting that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by eye-catching headlines and often misleading information. This type of journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political actions in the lead-up to conflicts like the Spanish-American War.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The Treaty of Paris (1898) was an agreement that officially ended the Spanish-American War, signed on December 10, 1898. This treaty marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy as it resulted in the United States acquiring several territories from Spain, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, signaling America's emergence as a global power.

Imperialism

Imperialism is the policy or practice of extending a nation's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, resulting in the domination of one country over another. There was a surge of imperialism driven by industrialization and the need for new markets and resources.

Isolationism

Isolationism is a foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs and conflicts, focusing instead on its own internal matters. This approach is particularly significant in U.S. history because it reflects periods when the nation prioritized domestic issues over foreign entanglements, especially after major wars.

Zimmermann telegram:The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication sent by the German Empire to Mexico in January 1917, proposing a military alliance against the United States during World War I. This telegram played a crucial role in shifting public opinion in the U.S. toward entering the war, as it revealed Germany's willingness to provoke conflict and its intentions to regain territories lost by Mexico.

Sinking of the Lusitania

Germany's submarine warfare policy led to the torpedoing of the British passenger liner Lusitania, killing 128 Americans. Though the ship was secretly carrying munitions, the incident outraged Americans.

Germany unrestricted submarine warfare

During WWII, Germany announced it would resume unrestricted submarine warfare, attacking any ships in the war zone, including those from neutral countries, including American ships.

Espionage Act

This act signed in 1917 imposed fines and jail sentences on persons convicted of aiding the enemy or obstructing recruiting, and he authorized the postmaster general to ban from the mails any material that seemed treasonable. It aimed to prohibit interference with military operations, support for U.S. enemies during wartime, and the promotion of insubordination in the military. Although Wilson spoke in defense of free speech, his actions denied it. This act reflected the government's desire to maintain national security and suppress dissenting opinions that could undermine the war effort.

Sedition Act

This act passed in 1918 made it a crime to speak or publish anything considered disloyal or abusive about the government, the Constitution, or the military during World War I. This act extended the Espionage Act and reflected the heightened fears of dissent amid the Red Scare, targeting individuals who opposed or criticized U.S. involvement in the war.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration refers to the mass movement of African Americans from the rural Southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970. This significant demographic shift was driven by a combination of factors including the search for better economic opportunities, escape from racial discrimination, and the desire for improved living conditions. It profoundly impacted American society, culture, and the economy, shaping the identities of both migrants and the communities they joined.

Treaty of Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement signed in 1919 that officially ended World War I and imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. It aimed to establish a new order in Europe, address the causes of the war, and prevent future conflicts, but ultimately sowed the seeds for World War II due to its harsh terms and the instability it created.

Wilson's 14 Points

A set of principles proposed by President Woodrow Wilson as a basis for peace negotiations to end World War I. These points emphasized self-determination, open diplomacy, free trade, and the establishment of a League of Nations to ensure lasting peace. The ideals reflected a shift towards more humanitarian and democratic approaches to international relations following the devastation of the war.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I by the Treaty of Versailles to promote peace and cooperation among countries, aimed at preventing future conflicts through collective security and diplomacy. The League sought to address global issues, but it ultimately struggled to maintain authority and effectiveness, especially as tensions rose in the interwar years.

Scopes Trial

The Scopes Trial, officially known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, was a landmark case that debated the legality of teaching evolution in public schools. This trial highlighted the clash between modernist and traditionalist values during the 1920s, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding science, religion, and education in a rapidly changing America.

New Deal

The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President FDR in response to the Great Depression during the 1930s. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent future depressions, fundamentally reshaping the role of the federal government in American society.

Neutrality Acts

The Neutrality Acts were a series of laws passed in the 1930s by Congress aimed at preventing American involvement in foreign conflicts. These acts reflected a strong isolationist sentiment in the U.S. following the experiences of World War I, seeking to avoid entanglement in another war by restricting arms sales and financial aid to belligerent nations. These acts were significant because they shaped U.S. foreign policy during the interwar period, reflecting the desire to maintain peace and stability while other nations faced increasing tensions.

Pearl Harbor

The navy base at pearl harbor hawaii was famously attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. This surprise military strike led to the United States' entry into World War II, marking a pivotal moment in both American history and the global conflict.

D-Day

The day when Allied forces, led by the U.S. launched a massive invasion of German-occupied France during World War II, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. This operation involved an extensive and meticulously planned assault on the beaches of Normandy. D-Day set the stage for the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

Japanese American Internment Camps

These camps were facilities established during World War II by the U.S. government to forcibly relocate and detain Japanese Americans, primarily on the West Coast, in response to fears of espionage and sabotage following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This unjust action reflected widespread anti-Japanese sentiment and racial prejudice prevalent at the time, as thousands were stripped of their rights and property and placed in these camps under poor conditions.

Yalta Conference

This was a pivotal meeting between the leaders of the Allied powers during World War II. This conference marked a crucial turning point in international relations because it aimed to shape the post-war landscape of Europe by discussing the fate of Eastern European countries, especially Soviet control of Poland.

Potsdam Conference

This meeting in 1945 where the Allied leaders met to discuss the post-war order in Europe and the administration of Germany after World War II. This meeting was significant as it established protocols for managing defeated Germany and addressed territorial changes, as well as trying the Nazi leaders as war criminals.

United Nations (UN)

This organization was founded after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international cooperation. It aimed to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries around the world through diplomacy and collective action. It addresses global issues and serve as a forum for dialogue among nations.

Open Door Policy

The Open-Door Policy was a diplomatic principle established in the late 19th century that aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and prevent any single power from monopolizing trade there. It was rooted in the context of imperialism, as Western powers sought to expand their influence in Asia, particularly in China, which was seen as a vast market and a strategic area for territorial claims. The policy was articulated primarily by the United States and reflected broader themes of competition and intervention characteristic of the era.

Platt Amendment

This amendment in 1901 restricted Cuba's freedom concerning foreign relations requiring them to agree never to sign treaties with a foreign power compromising its independence, to give the United States naval stations, and to give them the right to intervene in Cuba whenever necessary. This made Cuba a U.S. protectorate and Cuba's foreign policy would, for many years, be subject to U.S. oversight and control.

Teller Amendment

This amendment in 1898 declared that the United States had no intention of taking political control of Cuba, and that, once peace was restored to the island, the Cuban people would control their own government. This amendment was part of a joint resolution authorizing war that Congress passed. Nevertheless, U.S. troops remained in Cuba from 1898 until 1901 and only withdrew them until Cuba's acceptance of the Platt Amendment.

Allied Powers

Great Britain, France, and Russia

Central Powers Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Ottoman Turkey

First Red Scare

The widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies during 1917-1920 that swept across the United States, triggered by the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia and the rise of labor strikes domestically. This period was marked by a government crackdown on perceived radicals, leading to mass arrests, deportations, and the establishment of a culture of suspicion against immigrants and labor activists. It significantly influenced American politics and society during the early 20th century, as it intertwined with the national discourse on civil liberties and national security.

Second Red Scare

The Second Red Scare refers to the intense fear of communism and the perceived threat of communist subversion in the United States during the late 1940s and 1950s. This period was marked by heightened anti-communist sentiment, which was fueled by the Cold War and led to widespread suspicion, government investigations, and the persecution of individuals deemed to have communist ties or sympathies.

Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion during the 1920s centered in Harlem, New York. It highlighted the creativity and intellectual contributions of African Americans and marked a period where black artists, writers, musicians, and thinkers sought to redefine their identity and express their experiences through various forms of art. This significantly impacted American culture and society.

National Origins Act

This act was a significant piece of legislation passed in 1924 that established strict quotas on immigration to the United States, favoring Northern and Western Europeans while severely limiting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and virtually excluding Asians. This law reflected the growing nativist sentiments in the U.S. during the early 20th century and marked a major response to the waves of immigration that had transformed American society.

Scopes Trial

The Scopes Trial, officially known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, was a landmark case in 1925 that debated the legality of teaching evolution in public schools. This trial highlighted the clash between modernist and traditionalist values during the 1920s, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding science, religion, and education in a rapidly changing America.

Bonus Army

A group of World War I veterans who marched to Washington, D.C. in 1932 to demand the immediate payment of bonuses that had been promised to them by the government. This event highlighted the desperation faced by many Americans during the Great Depression and widespread unemployment and economic hardship. The confrontation between the group and federal authorities showed the government's struggle to respond effectively to the needs of its citizens during this period.

Good Neighbor Policy

The Good Neighbor Policy was a diplomatic approach aimed at improving relations between the United States and Latin American countries in the 1930s. This policy marked a shift from previous interventionist practices, promoting mutual respect, non-intervention, and cooperation among nations in the Americas. It significantly influenced U.S. foreign relations during a time of economic crisis and rising tensions.

Teapot Dome Scandal

A major political scandal in the 1920s involving the secret leasing of federal oil reserves by the U.S. government to private companies. This scandal highlighted issues of corruption and the exploitation of natural resources when the nation was grappling with post-World War I economic challenges. The fallout from this scandal underscored the need for greater oversight in government dealings.

Axis Powers

Germany, Italy, and Japan

Allies

United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was a 1941 program initiated by the United States during World War II that allowed the government to supply military aid to foreign nations deemed vital to the defense of the United States. This act marked a significant shift in American foreign policy from neutrality to active support for Allied nations, reflecting the growing recognition of the threat posed by Axis powers. Through this act, the U.S. provided essential war materials, food, and equipment, which helped the Allied military.

Manhattan Project

The Manhattan Project was a secret U.S. government research initiative during World War II aimed at developing atomic bombs. The project not only marked a significant technological breakthrough but also played a crucial role in the conclusion of the war and the start of the nuclear age.

Neutrality Acts

The Neutrality Acts were a 1930s series of laws passed by Congress aimed at preventing American involvement in foreign conflicts. These acts reflected a strong isolationist sentiment in the U.S. following the experiences of World War I, seeking to avoid entanglement in another war by restricting arms sales and financial aid to belligerent nations. These acts were significant because they shaped U.S. foreign policy during the interwar period, reflecting the desire to maintain peace and stability while other nations faced increasing tensions.

Berlin airlift

A massive welfare operation in 1948 to supply West Berlin with food and other essential goods after the Soviet Union blockaded all ground access to the city. This operation was a significant moment in post-WWII diplomacy, demonstrating the commitment of the United States and its allies to protect West Berlin against Soviet aggression. It highlighted the tense beginnings of the Cold War and setting the stage for future confrontations between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

This was a significant 1954 Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, effectively overturning the precedent set by Plessy v. Ferguson. This case became significant to the African American Civil Rights Movement, starting efforts to end segregation and discrimination across various domains of American life.

Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, was a U.S. initiative to aid the economic recovery of Western European countries after World War II proposed in 1948. This program aimed to rebuild war-torn regions, remove trade barriers, modernize industry, and improve European prosperity to prevent the spread of communism during the early years of the Cold War. The program was also a key factor in establishing strong economic ties between the U.S. and Western Europe, setting the stage for future alliances

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

A military alliance designed for collective defense against aggression and to promote stability in the North Atlantic region. Its creation in 1949 marked a significant shift in post-WWII diplomacy, reflecting the growing tensions of the Cold War and the need for a united front against potential Soviet expansion.

Truman Doctrine

A foreign policy strategy established by President Harry S. Truman in 1947 aimed at containing the spread of communism during the early Cold War, specifically in Greece and Turkey, by giving military and economic aid. It marked a significant shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to active involvement in global affairs, particularly in response to perceived threats from the Soviet Union and communist movements in Europe