U.S. Expansionism and World War I

These flashcards cover key concepts related to U.S. expansionism, the causes and events leading up to World War I, and the aftermath as discussed in lecture notes.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy from 1823 that demanded European nations stay out of the affairs of Latin American countries.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine that stated the U.S. could use force to protect its economic interests in Latin America.

Isolationist

A foreign policy approach where a country does not get involved in world affairs.

M.A.I.N causes of WWI

Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, and Nationalism were the main causes that led to World War I.

Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

The event that triggered the start of World War I, as he was the heir of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Allies

The coalition in World War I consisting of France, Great Britain, Russia, and the United States.

Central Powers

The coalition in World War I consisting of Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Trench warfare

A type of combat in World War I where opposing troops fought from trenches facing each other.

New weapons in WWI

Innovations such as machine guns, poison gas, U-boats, and tanks that made the fighting brutal.

Woodrow Wilson

The President who pledged to keep the U.S. out of World War I.

Events that brought the U.S. into WWI

The sinking of the Lusitania, unrestricted submarine warfare, and the Zimmermann Telegram.

Zimmermann Telegram

A secret communication where Germany asked Mexico to invade the U.S. during World War I.

Selective Service Act

A law requiring men to register for the military draft.

Armistice

An agreement for a ceasefire, officially ending World War I accepted by Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Fourteen Points

Woodrow Wilson's plan for world peace after World War I, with the 14th point specifically calling for the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that officially ended World War I and was harsh towards Germany.

War-guilt clause

A provision in the Treaty of Versailles that blamed Germany solely for the war.

Reparations

The payments required from Germany amounting to $33 billion to cover war damages after World War I.

League of Nations

An international organization proposed by Wilson that the U.S. Senate was wary of joining.