Key Foreign Policy Decisions to Know for AP History

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

U.S. policy declaring the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization, asserting U.S. influence in the Americas

Roosevelt Corollary (1904)

Expanded the Monroe Doctrine, allowing U.S. intervention in Latin America to maintain stability and prevent European interference.

Open Door Policy (1899)

Advocated equal trading rights in China and opposed European monopolization of trade, demonstrating U.S. interest in Asia

Spanish-American War (1898)

Conflict with Spain resulting in U.S. acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking U.S. emergence as a global power.

Panama Canal Acquisition (1903)

U.S. supported Panama's independence to secure canal construction, strengthening trade routes and naval power

Wilson’s Fourteen Points (1918)

A plan promoting self-determination and global peace post-WWI, including the proposal for the League of Nations

Neutrality Acts (1930s)

Laws designed to prevent U.S. involvement in foreign wars by restricting arms sales and loans to warring nations

Lend-Lease Act (1941)

Allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with resources during WWII, signaling a shift away from isolationism

Truman Doctrine (1947)

Policy of containing communism by providing aid to nations at risk of Soviet influence, starting with Greece and Turkey.

Marshall Plan (1948)

Economic aid program to rebuild Europe post-WWII and prevent communist expansion by fostering capitalist stability

Containment Policy (1947)

Strategy to prevent the spread of communism through diplomatic, economic, and military efforts during the Cold War.

NATO Formation (1949)

A collective defense alliance among Western nations to counter Soviet aggression during the Cold War.

Korean War (1950–1953)

U.S.-led UN forces defended South Korea against North Korea, solidifying Cold War containment strategies.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

A confrontation over Soviet missiles in Cuba, resolved through negotiations that avoided nuclear war.

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

A prolonged conflict aiming to stop communist expansion in Southeast Asia, resulting in U.S. withdrawal and reevaluation of foreign policy.

Detente (1970s)

A period of eased Cold War tensions marked by arms control agreements like SALT and improved U.S.-Soviet relations

Gulf War (1990–1991)

U.S.-led coalition expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait, demonstrating U.S. military dominance in the post-Cold War era.

War on Terror (2001–Present)

Response to the 9/11 attacks, involving military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq to combat terrorism

Boxer Rebellion (1900)

Uprising in China against foreign influence, suppressed by an international coalition including the U.S.

Philippine-American War (1899–1902)

Armed conflict following the Spanish-American War as the U.S. asserted control over the Philippines

League of Nations (1920)

An international organization proposed in Wilson’s Fourteen Points, ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate.

War Powers Act (1973)

Law limiting presidential authority to deploy troops without Congressional approval, a response to the Vietnam War

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT)

Cold War agreements between the U.S. and USSR to limit nuclear weapons and reduce tensions.

Fall of Saigon (1975)Fall of Saigon (1975)

Marked the end of the Vietnam War and U.S. failure to achieve containment in Southeast Asia.

Gulf of Tonkin Incident (1964)

Alleged attack on U.S. ships, used to justify escalation of the Vietnam War.

Marshall Islands Nuclear Testing (1946–1958)

U.S. nuclear tests in the Pacific highlighting Cold War military advancements and environmental consequences.

Berlin Airlift (1948–1949)

U.S. operation to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade, exemplifying Cold War tensions.

Iran Hostage Crisis (1979–1981)

U.S. embassy workers held hostage in Iran, symbolizing strained U.S.-Middle East relations.

Camp David Accords (1978)

Peace agreement mediated by the U.S. between Egypt and Israel, showcasing U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.

Persian Gulf Oil Strategy

U.S. policies to secure oil access and stability in the Middle East, influencing military actions like the Gulf War.