American Foreign Policy (1890-1930) Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to American Foreign Policy from 1890 to 1930.

Boxer Rebellion

An uprising in northern China led by the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists against Western and Japanese influence.

4-Power Treaty

Treaty signed by the US, Britain, France, and Japan to preserve the status quo of the Pacific.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

A statement of principles for world peace proposed for peace negotiations to end World War I.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Isolation

A diplomatic policy of avoiding alliances and entanglements, especially after World War I.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

Agreement by 62 nations not to engage in war.

5-Power Treaty

An agreement to prevent an arms race by limiting naval construction.

League of Nations

An international organization established after World War I under the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

Neutrality

The state of not helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.

Open Door Policy

Statement of principles initiated by the US in 1899 and 1900 for the protection of equal privileges among countries trading with China.

Panama Canal

The canal that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, built by the US from 1904-1914.

Russo-Japanese War

A war fought in 1904-1905 between Russia and Japan over rival territorial claims.

Selective Service

Authorized the federal government to raise a national army for America's entry into World War I through compulsory enlistment.

9-Power Treaty

Treaty that confirmed the Open Door policy in China.

Spanish-American War

A war between Spain and the United States, fought in 1898, beginning as intervention by the United States on behalf of Cuba.

Sphere of Influence

A country or area in which another country has power to affect developments although it has no formal authority.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels without warning, used by Germany in World War I.

Yellow Journalism

Journalism based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration.

Freedom of the Seas

The right of merchant ships to move freely on the seas in peace or war without interference except in territorial zones.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-Boat on May 7, 1915, leading to a shift in American sentiment towards entering the war.

World War I (WWI)

A global war originating in Europe that lasted from July 1914 to November 1918, fought between the Central Powers and the Allied Powers.

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty that ended WWI, blaming Germany and imposing harsh punishment.

Washington Naval Conference

A naval disarmament conference held in Washington, D.C., from November 1921 to February 1922.

Paris Peace Conference

A meeting of 38 nations in Versailles, France in 1919 to establish the terms of peace after WWI.