American Imperialism and World War I Overview

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to American imperialism and the events surrounding World War I.

Imperialism

The action of a stronger country exerting influence or power over a weaker country.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 in which the US intervened in Cuba's fight for independence from Spain, resulting in American victory.

Jose Marti

A Cuban revolutionary who coordinated with America to end Spanish control of Cuba.

Yellow Journalism

Exaggerated news articles designed to invoke reactions and gain public attention.

USS Maine

A ship docked in Havana Harbor that exploded, leading to the United States declaring war on Spain.

Platt Amendment

Legislation that stipulated conditions for Cuba's independence and allowed the US to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Big Stick Diplomacy

The policy of negotiating peacefully while holding the threat of military force.

Dollar Diplomacy

A policy aimed at furthering US interests in Latin America by providing financial support.

Missionary Diplomacy

Woodrow Wilson's approach of promoting democratic ideals and moral obligations in foreign policy.

The Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North during World War I.

Trench Warfare

A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other, prominently used in WWI.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, contributing to the US entering WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret message from Germany to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the US, leading to American entry into WWI.

Espionage Act

A 1917 law that imposed severe penalties for anti-war activities and spying.

The Armistice Day

Commemorates the agreement that ended fighting on November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I.