Foreign Policy and Wars Review

Flashcards reviewing key concepts related to US foreign policy.

What were the factors leading to the US becoming an imperialist power?

Economic competition, political competition (specifically Navy), and racial/cultural superiority to spread Christianity.

What territories did the US gain after going to war with Spain?

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

What does the acronym MAIN stand for in relation to the causes of WWI?

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism.

What countries comprised the Triple Alliance?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

What countries comprised the Triple Entente?

Britain, France, and Russia.

Why were the Balkans known as "The Powder Keg"?

Because of the many different cultures and languages under the control of Austria-Hungary, creating tensions.

What event is considered "The Spark" that ignited WWI?

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

What countries were part of the Central Powers during WWI?

Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey.

What was the Schlieffen Plan?

A German plan to quickly invade France through Belgium before Russia could mobilize.

What new type of warfare characterized the Western Front during WWI?

Trench warfare.

Why did the US enter WWI?

The Zimmerman Telegram and German submarine warfare (sinking of the Lusitania).

What were the main points of Wilson's 14 Points?

Peace, free trade, open mindedness, self-determination, border adjustment, and the formation of the League of Nations.

What were the main consequences for Germany under the Treaty of Versailles?

Reduced military, loss of colonies, and reparations/war guilt clause.

What event triggered Japan's invasion of China?

The Sept 18 incident (bombing of a Japanese railroad company).

Which territories did Germany annex leading up to World War II?

Austria and Sudetenland.

What event led to the US entry into WWII?

The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941).

What was D-Day/Operation Overlord?

A large-scale Allied invasion of Normandy, France.

How did WWII end in Europe?

Soviet Union/US get to Germany, Hitler commits suicide and Germany is defeated.

How did WWII end in the Pacific?

The US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.

What role did Native Americans play in WWII?

Code Talkers, creating a new code to communicate with other allies.

What was Executive Order 9066?

An order by FDR that put Japanese Americans in internment camps during WWII.

What are key characteristics of Capitalism?

Supply/demand, individual oriented, growth focused, money as a motivator.

What are key characteristics of Communism?

Sharing of money/resources, power shift from bosses to workers, government regulation of economy.

What was the purpose of the Marshall Plan?

To give Europe economic aid to prevent the spread of communism and stabilize the US economy.

What was the underlying concept of the Containment strategy during the Cold War?

Block Soviet expansion, expose Russian propaganda, do everything BUT go to war

What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

A reported attack on US ships that was used as justification for increased US involvement in Vietnam (the second attack never actually happened).

What was the Tet Offensive?

A major offensive from North Vietnam that surprised the South and US forces, exposing the credibility gap between the government and the public.

What was Nixon's plan for ending the Vietnam War?

Vietnamization (South Vietnam taking more responsibility) and Peace with Dignity

What were some long-term effects of the Vietnam War?

The War Powers Act (1973), abolition of the draft, and increased distrust of government.

What was the US's main goal in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks?

To defeat Al-Qaeda and capture Osama bin Laden.

What was the stated reason for the US invasion of Iraq in 2003?

The claim that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.