APUSH Period 7- American Imperialism

End of American Isolationism and start of America as a World power

What was Yellow Journalism?

Sensationalized and exaggerated newspaper reporting used to attract readers and stir public opinion. Played a major role in rallying public support for the Spanish-American War by exaggerating events in Cuba and blaming Spain.

Spanish American War (1898)

A conflict between the United States and Spain, fought primarily over Cuban independence, which resulted in significant territorial gains for the US. Triggered by the explosion of the USS Maine.

What was the significance of the Spanish American War?

The Spanish-American War marked the emergence of the United States as a global power, leading to the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and establishing the U.S. influence in Latin America and Asia.

What was the Annexation of Hawaii

In 1898 The U.S. overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy and annexed the islands during the Spanish-American War. This gave the U.S. a strategic naval base at Pearl Harbor and a vital stepping stone to Asia.

What was the Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

A conflict between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries, following the U.S. acquisition of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, leading to widespread violence and significant casualties.

What was the Open Door Policy of 1899

A U.S. diplomatic policy advocating for equal trading rights for all nations in China and aimed at preventing any single power from monopolizing Chinese trade.

Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904)

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order, justifying American intervention in the region.

Panama Canal

A man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, completed in 1914, which significantly shortened maritime travel routes and was crucial for U.S. naval and commercial power.

Dollar Diplomacy

President Taft’s foreign policy of promoting U.S. financial and business interests abroad, especially in Latin America. This replaced military intervention with economic influence, though still reflected imperialist intentions.

Anti-Imperialist League of 1898

A group of prominent Americans—including Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie—who opposed U.S. annexation of the Philippines and imperial expansion. This reflected domestic resistance to imperialism, arguing it violated American democratic ideals.

Treaty of Paris of 1898

The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, and granting Cuba independence. This treaty marked a significant expansion of American territorial reach.

Big Stick Diplomacy

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy based on the proverb “speak softly and carry a big stick,” implying diplomacy backed by military strength. This justified American intervention, particularly in Latin America, as seen in the Panama Canal project.

Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907

An informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan in which Japan limited emigration to the U.S. in exchange for better treatment of Japanese already in America.

Neutrality Proclamation of 1914

Issued by President Woodrow Wilson at the outbreak of WWI, declaring the U.S. neutral in the conflict. Reflected widespread American desire to avoid entanglement in European wars; however, economic ties to the Allies made neutrality difficult to maintain.

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

British passenger ship sunk by a German U-boat, killing 1,198 people, including 128 Americans. Turned American public opinion against Germany and increased calls for preparedness and potential intervention.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany’s wartime policy of sinking all ships, including civilian and neutral ones, without warning in the war zone around Britain. A key reason the U.S. eventually entered WWI, especially after Germany resumed the policy in 1917.

Zimmermann Telegram of 1917

A secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States. Its interception by British intelligence and publication greatly inflamed American public opinion and contributed to the U.S. entering WWI.

Espionage Act (1917)

A law enacted to prohibit interference with military operations, espionage, and the support of U.S. enemies during wartime. It imposed heavy penalties for violations and restricted dissent against the war effort.

Sedition Act (1918)

A law that extended the Espionage Act by prohibiting speech or actions deemed disloyal or abusive toward the U.S. government, flag, or military. It imposed severe penalties for expressing anti-war sentiments.

Great Migration

The movement of over six million African Americans from the rural southern United States to urban areas in the North and West between 1916 and 1970, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and living conditions.

Women in the Workforce

During WWI, many women took industrial and wartime jobs traditionally held by men. Strengthened arguments for women's suffrage, leading to the 19th Amendment in 1920.

War Industries Board (WIB)

Government agency that coordinated the production of war materials and set prices during WWI.

National War Labor Board (NWLB)

A federal agency established to mediate labor disputes during WWI, ensuring the stability of workforce productivity and preventing strikes that could disrupt war production.

Liberty Bonds

Debt securities issued by the U.S. government to finance military operations and expenses during World War I, encouraging citizens to lend money to support the war effort.

American Protective League

A private organization that supported the U.S. government's efforts during World War I by promoting loyalty and fostering support for the war through various civic initiatives.

First Red Scare (1919–1920)

A period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States following World War I, marked by widespread fear of radical leftism and the suppression of dissent.

Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918)

President Wilson’s proposal for a postwar peace plan focused on self-determination, free trade, and collective security. Reflected Wilson's idealism and vision for global peace, though most points were rejected in the Treaty of Versailles negotiations.

League of Nations

An international organization formed after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, as proposed by Wilson in his Fourteen Points, but ultimately failed to prevent further conflicts.

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. It established the League of Nations but faced criticism for its harsh terms.

Henry Cabot Lodge and the Irreconcilables and Reservationists

Republican Senator who led opposition to the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. Was the leader of the groups of senators who either outright rejected (Irreconcilables) or conditionally supported (Reservationists) the Treaty of Versailles. Lodge was a key figure during the debate over the treaty, advocating for amendments and opposing America's involvement in the League of Nations.

Return to Isolationism

The political stance adopted by the United States after World War I, emphasizing limited engagement in foreign conflicts and a focus on domestic affairs. This policy aimed to prevent involvement in international entanglements and maintain national sovereignty.