U.S. Imperialism and Expansion Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the U.S. Imperialism and Expansion lecture, including important events, legislation, and social issues from the late 1800s through World War I.

What was U.S. imperialism in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

The expansion of American political, economic, and military control beyond U.S. borders.

How was Social Darwinism used to justify imperialism?

It claimed stronger nations had the right or duty to dominate weaker ones.

How did reports from Cuba influence U.S. public opinion?

Reports of Spanish reconcentration camps shocked Americans and increased support for U.S. intervention.

What argument did Albert Beveridge make in 'March of the Flag'?

The U.S. had a moral and religious duty to expand and rule other peoples.

What happened in the Philippines after 1898?

Filipinos resisted U.S. rule, leading to a war for independence.

What are unincorporated territories?

Territories controlled by the U.S. without granting full constitutional or political rights.

What was a major consequence of U.S. expansion?

Increased global power but denial of self-determination to colonized peoples.

What were the Insular Cases?

Supreme Court cases that ruled the Constitution does not fully apply to U.S. territories.

What did the Insular Cases allow the U.S. government to do?

Govern territories while denying residents full constitutional rights.

What influenced the Court’s decisions in the Insular Cases?

Assumptions about race, culture, and 'civilization.'

How do the Insular Cases affect people today?

Territorial residents still lack full political rights and representation.

What rights do many territorial residents lack?

Full voting rights and political representation in Congress.

What do the Insular Cases reveal about U.S. citizenship?

That citizenship and rights have not been applied equally in U.S. history.

Why did the U.S. initially stay neutral in WWI?

It was seen as a European conflict.

What pushed the U.S. toward entering WWI?

German submarine attacks on ships.

How did WWI affect federal government power?

The government expanded its power more than ever before.

What was the War Industries Board?

An agency that controlled industrial production for the war effort.

What was the Committee on Public Information (CPI)?

A government agency that used propaganda to promote support for the war.

What did the Espionage and Sedition Acts do?

Limited free speech by punishing criticism of the government or war.

How did WWI change the government–citizen relationship?

Increased surveillance and reduced civil liberties.

How were minority groups treated during WWI?

They served the U.S. while still facing discrimination.

What was the experience of African American soldiers after WWI?

They returned to segregation and racial violence despite their service.

Who were the Harlem Hellfighters?

An African American unit that saw heavy combat and was honored by France.

What role did Native American Code Talkers play?

They used Indigenous languages to create secure military communication.

How were Filipino sailors treated in the U.S. Navy?

They were mostly restricted to lower-ranking positions.

What was the Great Migration?

The movement of African Americans north for jobs and safety during WWI.

What contradiction did WWI expose?

The gap between American democratic ideals and unequal treatment of marginalized groups.