S2 APUSH

Isolationism

A U.S. foreign policy stance focusing on avoiding alliances and involvement in international conflicts, especially in Europe.

Collective Security

Idea that peace can be maintained by countries acting together to defend each other against aggressors.

Internationalism

Belief that the U.S. should engage with other nations to shape world affairs.

Imperialism

Policy of extending a country's power through acquiring territories or influencing weaker nations.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy warning European nations not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Annexation of Hawaii

In 1898, the U.S. formally annexed Hawaii following a coup by American settlers.

Spanish-American War

A 1898 conflict where the U.S. defeated Spain and gained control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

U.S.S. Maine

A U.S. battleship whose explosion in Havana Harbor was used as a rallying cry for war against Spain.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Agreement that ended the Spanish-American War; Spain ceded its empire in the Americas and Pacific to the U.S.

Platt Amendment

Legislation that restricted Cuba’s independence by allowing U.S. intervention.

Trench warfare

Brutal combat style of WWI involving entrenched positions and massive casualties.

League of Nations

An international peacekeeping organization proposed by Wilson; U.S. never joined.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Supreme Court case declaring segregation in schools unconstitutional.

Civil Rights Movement

Post-WWII struggle for African American equality.

Great Depression

Severe economic downturn of the 1930s marked by high unemployment and bank failures.

Fascism

A far-right political system emphasizing nationalism, militarism, and dictatorship.

Communism

A far-left political system advocating for a classless society and state ownership of production.

NATO

Military alliance of the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe to resist Soviet aggression.

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

Gave President Johnson broad war powers in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war.