American History 1

Monroe Doctrine

A principle of U.S. foreign policy asserting that European powers should not expand influence in the Americas.

Sinking of the USS Maine

The destruction of this naval vessel contributed significantly to U.S. public opinion favoring war in 1898.

Spanish-American War

A conflict that altered the U.S.'s global role and resulted in the acquisition of new territories.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War and transferred territories from Spain to the U.S.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalist reporting that influenced public opinion and decisions leading to war.

Open Door Policy

A U.S. policy aimed at ensuring fair access to Chinese markets for all foreign powers.

Big Stick Diplomacy

A foreign policy approach that combined diplomatic negotiations with the threat of military force.

19th Amendment

This amendment granted women the right to vote, significantly altering U.S. politics.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social issues, leading to reforms.

Temperance Movement

A social effort advocating for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption.

Triggering Event of WWI

The assassination that ignited the conflict leading to World War I.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

A naval strategy that provoked U.S. entry into World War I due to attacks on neutral ships.

U-Boat

German submarines that played a crucial role in naval warfare during World War I.

Armistice Day (11/11/1918)

The day marking the end of World War I following the signing of a cease-fire.

Bolshevik Revolution

This revolution changed the geopolitical landscape and raised concerns about communism in the U.S.

Zimmermann Telegram

A secret communication from Germany that influenced the U.S. decision to enter WWI.

Treaty of Versailles

The agreement that ended WWI and imposed heavy penalties on Germany.

League of Nations

An international organization created to promote peace but faced many operational challenges.

Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points

A plan proposed to establish a peaceful international order after WWI.

Flapper Style

Fashion trend of the 1920s representing women’s changed roles and attitudes.

Mass Media (1920s)

Technological developments that shaped American culture and societal values during the 1920s.

Jazz Music (1920s)

A cultural force that emerged in the 1920s, influencing social trends and attitudes.

Prohibition (18th Amendment)

Legislation that legally prohibited alcohol, with various intended and unintended effects.

Scopes Trial (1925)

A legal case illustrating the conflict between science and religion in American society.

Automobile Industry (1920s)

Innovations in this industry transformed American life and economy during the 1920s.

Political Alignment of the 1920s

A specific political party dominated the U.S. government throughout the 1920s.

Great Migration

A significant movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North.

Herbert Hoover's Economic Beliefs

Capitalist ideologies shaping the government's response to the Great Depression.

20th and 21st Amendments

Constitutional amendments enacting major changes to the U.S. political system.

Dust Bowl (1930s)

An environmental disaster exacerbating the economic hardships of the Great Depression.

1929 Stock Market Crash

An event marking the start of a significant economic crisis with lasting effects.

Cycle of Economic Downturn (Great Depression)

A negative feedback loop of economic decline involving decreased consumer confidence.

Bank Runs

Events exemplifying the fragility of financial systems contributing to the Great Depression.

Goals of Repealing Prohibition (21st Amendment)

Motivations for repeal included crime reduction, revenue generation, and public health.

New Deal Legacy

Programs initiated during the Great Depression that altered the government's role in society.

FDR's First 100 Days

A crucial period characterized by intense legislative activity in response to economic crisis.

Penny Auctions

Auctions highlighting the desperate economic conditions faced by farmers during the Great Depression.

Bonus Army Marches (1932)

Veterans' protests demonstrating the economic distress and the government's ineffective response.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns named after President Hoover, reflecting public discontent over his policies.

Eleanor Roosevelt

A First Lady known for her advocacy of social reform and humanitarian efforts.

Glass-Steagall Act

Legislation aimed at increasing banking stability by addressing conflicts of interest.

Causes of World War II

A complex mix of political, economic, and ideological factors leading to the conflict.

Totalitarian Regime

A government type characterized by significant control over citizen's lives and dissent suppression.

Lend-Lease Program

U.S. policy allowing military aid to foreign nations before formal entry into WWII.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

The event that prompted the U.S. to enter WWII, dramatically shifting public opinion.

Blitzkrieg

A fast and effective military strategy used by Germany during WWII.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

A non-aggression agreement with significant implications for WWII politics.

Allies and Axis Powers

The two opposing alliances during World War II.

Neutrality Acts (1930s)

Legislation aimed at avoiding involvement in European wars.

Key Leaders of WWII

Crucial decisions by leaders significantly shaped the outcomes of the war.

D-Day

The Allied invasion marking a critical turning point in the European theater of WWII.

Final Solution

The Nazi policy leading to the systematic extermination of millions in the Holocaust.

The Holocaust

The genocide of millions, specifically targeting Jews, by the Nazi regime.

Island-Hopping

A military strategy used by the U.S. in the Pacific Theater to capture key islands.

Manhattan Project

A top-secret U.S. project that developed atomic bombs during WWII.

Japan's Surrender (1945)

The formal end of WWII in the Pacific following Japan's surrender.

Japanese Internment

The controversial U.S. policy that affected Japanese Americans during WWII.

Women's Roles in World War II

The war catalyzed significant changes in women's societal roles and responsibilities.

V-E Day

The day signaling victory in Europe and the end of fighting in that theater of WWII.