Theodore Roosevelt's Policies and World War I Overview

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to communicate directly with the American people to influence public opinion and policy.

Hepburn Act of 1906

A law that further regulated railroads by giving the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) the power to set maximum rates and enforce its rulings as law.

Antiquities Act of 1906

It enabled the president to proclaim historic landmarks and place them under federal ownership as national monuments.

National Parks and Monuments Established by Roosevelt

He established five national parks and four national monuments.

Roosevelt's Foreign Policy

It was aggressive and based on the idea of 'speak softly and carry a big stick,' with the U.S. Navy serving as the 'big stick.'

Monroe Doctrine

A policy from the 1820s stating that the U.S. would act as a protector of Latin America against European intervention.

Roosevelt Corollary

It stated that the U.S. could intervene in Latin America if it was in its national interest.

Importance of the Panama Canal

It linked the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, allowing for faster and more efficient maritime trade.

Control of Panama before Independence

Colombia.

U.S. Offer to Colombia for Canal Rights

$10 million upfront and a lease payment of $250,000 per year.

Roosevelt's Response to Colombia's Rejection

He supported a revolt in Panama, leading to Panama's independence and a new deal with the U.S. to build the canal.

Roosevelt's Decision on 1908 Election

He announced he would not seek another term and supported William Howard Taft as his successor.

Republican Party Split during Taft's Presidency

The party split into a Conservative Wing (Taft) and a Progressive Wing (Roosevelt).

Roosevelt after Losing 1912 Nomination

He formed the Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party.

Candidates in the 1912 Election

Woodrow Wilson (Democrat), William Howard Taft (Republican), and Theodore Roosevelt (Progressive).

Winner of the 1912 Election

Woodrow Wilson.

Vote Percentage in 1912 Election

Wilson: 41.8% (435 electoral votes), Roosevelt: 27.4% (88 electoral votes), Taft: 23.2% (8 electoral votes).

16th Amendment

Allowed Congress to collect income taxes.

17th Amendment

Allowed citizens to directly elect U.S. senators instead of state legislatures choosing them.

Underwood Tariff Act of 1913

Also known as the Revenue Act, it substantially reduced import taxes (tariffs).

Federal Income Tax Law Enactment

Allowed by the 16th Amendment.

First Federal Income Tax Structure

It applied to all income over $3,000, with higher incomes taxed at higher rates.

Wilson's 1913 State of the Union Address

He delivered the State of the Union address, directly pushing Congress to pass his agenda.

Federal Reserve Act of 1913

Established a national banking system and the Federal Reserve Board to conduct the nation's monetary policy.

Federal Reserve System

Created the Federal Reserve System, a national banking system with a Board of Governors appointed by the president and 12 Reserve Banks across the country.

Main Function of the Federal Reserve

To promote financial stability and issue Federal Reserve Notes (paper money).

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

To prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices, including the formation of business trusts.

FTC Power over Business Combinations

Many business mergers and trusts must be approved by the FTC.

18th Amendment

What did the 18th Amendment do?

18th Amendment

It prohibited the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol in the United States.

Temperance Movement

The movement that led to the 18th Amendment, supported by organizations like the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League (ASL).

Volstead Act

Also called the National Prohibition Act, it was the law that enforced Prohibition.

Loopholes in the Volstead Act

Alcohol could still be used for medicinal, sacramental, and industrial purposes, and homemade fruit or grape beverages were allowed.

Consequence of Prohibition

The rise of organized crime, which profited from bootlegging (illegal alcohol production and sales).

19th Amendment

It granted women the right to vote nationwide.

Seneca Falls Convention

An early event that helped launch the women's suffrage movement in 1848.

Key leaders of the suffrage movement

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul.

First state to grant women's suffrage

Wyoming in 1869.

President Wilson's stance on women's suffrage

In 1918, he began supporting the 19th Amendment, partly due to women's contributions to the WWI effort.

Spark of World War I

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo.

Germany's invasion of Belgium

To reach France as part of their plan to fight a two-front war.

Effect of Belgium's invasion

It brought Great Britain into the war against Germany.

Warfare in World War I

Trench warfare, along with machine guns, poison gas, tanks, airplanes, and submarines.

President Wilson's initial stance on U.S. involvement in WWI

He wanted the U.S. to remain neutral in 'heart and mind.'

American trade issue in WWI

The British blockade prevented American goods from reaching Germany, leading to lopsided trade with the Allies.

Sinking of the Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing 1,200 people, including 128 Americans.

Sussex Pledge

A promise by Germany in 1916 not to sink passenger ships without warning.

U.S. declaration of war on Germany

April 6, 1917.

Reasons for U.S. declaring war on Germany

Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare, broke diplomatic relations with the U.S., the Zimmermann Telegram was intercepted, and German U-boats sank five American merchant ships.

Zimmermann Telegram

A secret message from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S. in exchange for helping Mexico regain lost territory.

Financing U.S. involvement in WWI

By selling Liberty Bonds and increasing income taxes.

Committee on Public Information

A government agency that promoted war propaganda and encouraged public support for the war.

Laws to suppress war dissent

The Espionage Act (1917) and the Sedition Act (1918), which punished critics of the government.

Battle of Amiens significance

It was a major turning point in the war, marking the beginning of the Allied offensive and the end of trench warfare.

Largest American-led offensive in WWI

The Battle of Argonne (Sept. 1918), involving 1.2 million U.S. soldiers.

Germany's agreement to an armistice

The endless supply of American troops and resources made victory impossible.

Date of armistice signing

November 11, 1918.

President Wilson's goal at the Paris Peace Conference

To establish a new world order through his 'Fourteen Points' and the League of Nations.

War Guilt Clause

A clause in the Treaty of Versailles that blamed Germany for causing WWI.

U.S. Senate rejection of the Treaty of Versailles

Because of concerns over the League of Nations, which some feared would drag the U.S. into future conflicts.