U.S. History and Foreign Policy: Key Concepts and Events

How did the Black Death affect China vs. Europe?

In China, the Ming took power and stopped overseas trade, while in Europe feudalism collapsed, money economies grew, and exploration began.

Why is North America different from South America?

South America focused on gold, silver, and forced labor under feudal systems, while North America focused on farming, trade, and capitalism.

What is mercantilism?

Mercantilism is the belief that a state's wealth comes from gold, silver, and trade surpluses managed by the government.

How did mercantilism affect the world?

Mercantilism fueled European expansion, wars over trade, and colonial revolutions like America's.

Why did the South have slavery and not the North?

The South's cash crops required large cheap labor forces, while the North's small farms and trade made slavery less profitable.

Why did America rebel against British rule?

America rebelled because Britain controlled trade and taxes without colonial representation and blocked westward expansion.

Was the U.S. alliance between North and South about values or convenience?

It was mostly convenience for security—Northerners needed Southern support, and Southerners wanted expansion and slavery protected.

What limits does the President have in foreign policy?

Congress controls war declarations, money, and treaties, while the Senate approves foreign appointments.

Have presidential limits shifted over time?

Yes, presidents now act more independently with wars, tariffs, and executive agreements, while Congress is less assertive.

How did early U.S. security depend on Britain?

The U.S. relied on Britain's navy to keep Europe divided, which let America avoid building a large army or navy.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine said the U.S. would see European control over new Latin American republics as unfriendly, but it did not claim Latin America as U.S. territory.

Did the U.S. colonize Latin America before 1898?

No, the U.S. lacked power and instead focused on neutrality and continental expansion.

Did U.S. leaders try to keep European investors out of Latin America?

No, the Monroe Doctrine opposed political control, not normal trade or investment.

Did U.S. investors trade much with Latin America in the 1800s?

Not much; Britain remained the main investor and trader in Latin America.

Did the U.S. impose trade terms on Latin America before 1898?

No, the U.S. generally allowed free trade and did not impose unequal colonial terms.

Why didn't Europeans recolonize Latin America?

Britain's navy and the Monroe Doctrine discouraged recolonization, while informal trade was cheaper.

Why did the U.S. want Latin American sovereignty to survive?

Sovereignty kept European powers out and let the U.S. trade freely without costly wars.

What is the difference between traditional and normal trade?

Traditional trade uses unequal colonial rules, while normal trade is open and market-based.

Does the U.S. favor normal or traditional trade?

The U.S. favors normal trade because it supports open markets and long-term growth.

What does 'a rising tide raises all boats' mean?

It means when the economy grows, everyone benefits, including the U.S. through more trade and stability.