Rise of a World Power and World War I - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering U.S. expansionism, imperialism, and World War I topics from the lecture notes.

Open Door Policy

An American statement that the government did not want colonies in China, but favored free trade there.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt's policy of creating and using, when necessary, a strong military to achieve America's goals.

Dollar Diplomacy

Taft's policy of expanding American investments abroad to influence other countries.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway linking the Atlantic to the Pacific across the Isthmus of Panama.

Imperialism

Political, military, and economic domination of strong nations over weaker territories.

Yellow Journalism

Newspapers that used sensational headlines and exaggerated stories to promote readership.

Expansionism

Practice of annexing new territory to extend a nation's power.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

U.S. naval officer whose ideas supported naval expansion to project power.

Theodore Roosevelt

President who promoted aggressive foreign policy and the 'Big Stick' approach.

Sanford B. Dole

Leader who supported Hawaii's transition from monarchy to U.S. annexation.

Spanish-American War

1898 conflict that demonstrated U.S. military power and led to territorial gains.

Acquisitions after the Spanish-American War

Territories gained: Guam, Hawaii, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.

Zimmermann Telegram

German proposal to Mexico to join the war against the United States in WWI.

American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)

U.S. forces sent to Europe in World War I, commanded by General Pershing.

Fourteen Points

Wilson’s plan for a just peace and a framework to prevent future wars.

League of Nations

World organization established after WWI to promote peaceful cooperation.

World War I

Global conflict (1914-1918) that drew the U.S. into the war and reshaped international relations.

Isolationism

Policy to remain free from relationships with other nations.

Neutrality

State of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict.

Nationalism

Loyalty and devotion to one’s nation.

Militarism

Policy of building up a strong military and military preparedness.

Great Migration

Mass movement of African Americans from the South to the North during the 20th century.

Espionage Act

1917 law enacting penalties for disloyal or treasonable activities during WWI.

Battle of Argonne Forest

Major WWI campaign where American forces played a key role in breaking the German front.

Reparations

Payments for war damages required after a conflict.

Treaty of Versailles

Peace treaty ending WWI; established terms that shaped the postwar world and spurred debate over its fairness.