Textbook Terms, Chapter 21

Discusses the shift of American isolationism to involvement in world affairs and the consequences.

Allies (WWI)

The coalition of nations, including France, Britain, Russia, and later the U.S., that opposed the Central Powers during World War I

American Expeditionary Force

U.S. military force sent to Europe in 1917–1918 under General John J. Pershing to fight alongside the Allies in World War I

Central Powers (WWI)

Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria fighting against the Allies in World War I

Dollar Diplomacy

U.S. policy under President Taft using economic investment and loans to influence Latin American and East Asian countries

General John J. Pershing

Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, emphasizing well-trained, independent U.S. military units

"Great Migration"

Movement of hundreds of thousands of African Americans from the rural South to northern cities during and after World War I for industrial jobs and better opportunities

League of Nations

International organization proposed in Wilson’s Fourteen Points to promote peace and prevent future wars; the U.S. Senate refused to join

Ludlow Massacre

1914 attack on striking coal miners and their families in Colorado by the Colorado National Guard, highlighting labor conflict and poor working conditions

Lusitania

British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing Americans and increasing U.S. support for entering World War I

Marcus Garvey

African American leader and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, advocating black nationalism, economic independence, and return to Africa

Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti

Italian immigrants and anarchists controversially tried and executed for murder in 1920, symbolizing xenophobia and anti-radical sentiment

19th Amendment

Ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote nationwide

Palmer Raids

1919–1920 government actions led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer targeting suspected radicals and anarchists during the Red Scare

Pancho Villa

Mexican revolutionary leader who conducted raids into U.S. territory and opposed the Carranza government during the Mexican Revolution

Red Scare

Period of intense fear of communism, anarchism, and radical leftism in the U.S., especially after World War I and the Russian Revolution

Roosevelt Corollary

Extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge

Leading Republican senator who opposed U.S. ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and membership in the League of Nations

The 14 Points

President Wilson’s 1918 program outlining principles for peace after World War I, including self-determination, open diplomacy, and the League of Nations. 8 recommendations for postwar boundaries, 5 principles for international conduct (freedom of seas, open treaties (non-secret), armament reduction, free trade, impartial mediation of colonial claims.), and make a League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles (WWI)

1919 treaty ending World War I that imposed harsh penalties on Germany, redrew European borders, and established the League of Nations

Trench Warfare

Dominant form of combat in World War I characterized by soldiers fighting from fortified trenches, leading to stalemates and high casualties

Triple Alliance

Pre-World War I alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy

Triple Entente

Pre-World War I alliance of France, Britain, and Russia

United Negro Improvement Association

Organization founded by Marcus Garvey promoting black pride, economic independence, and a return to Africa

Zimmerman Telegram

Secret 1917 German proposal to Mexico to join an alliance against the U.S. in return for prior Mexican land back (Texas), intercepted by British intelligence, helping push the U.S. into World War I