American Imperialism and Key Events of the Early 20th Century

These flashcards cover key concepts and events related to American Imperialism and significant occurrences from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Yellow Journalism (1890s)

Sensationalized news stories that exaggerated the need for U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts, particularly in Cuba and the Philippines.

US Intervention in Hawaii (1893)

Hawaiian queen overthrown; U.S. involvement was driven by economic interests in sugar plantations and military strategy.

Spanish-American War (1898)

A conflict in 1898 where the U.S. defeated Spain and annexed the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam, marking the start of U.S. imperial expansion.

Anti-Imperialist League Founded (1898)

A group opposing U.S. expansionism, arguing imperialism violated principles of liberty and democracy.

Philippine War (1899-1902)

A conflict between the U.S. and Filipino nationalists seeking independence after U.S. annexation.

Open Door Policy (1899)

U.S. policy aimed at ensuring equal trade opportunities in China for all nations while preserving Chinese territorial integrity.

Boxer Rebellion (1899)

An anti-foreign uprising in China led by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists to expel Western influence.

Big Stick Diplomacy (1900s)

The foreign policy of Theodore Roosevelt advocating an aggressive approach to imperialism backed by military force.

Dollar Diplomacy (1900s)

William Howard Taft’s policy using U.S. financial power to extend American influence in Latin America and East Asia.

Platt Amendment (1901)

A provision allowing U.S. intervention in Cuba and maintenance of a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Universal Negro Improvement Association Founded (1914)

An organization promoting Black self-help, nationalism, and racial pride, founded by Marcus Garvey.

Lusitania Sunk (1915)

A British passenger ship torpedoed by a German submarine, resulting in the deaths of 128 Americans and fueling anti-German sentiment.

Zimmerman Telegram (1917)

A secret German diplomatic communication proposing a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.

National Association of Colored Women Founded (1916)

An organization focusing on improving the social, economic, and political status of Black women.

Selective Service Act (1917)

A law authorizing the draft of soldiers into military service during World War I.

War Industries Board (1917)

A government agency coordinating production and purchase of war materials during World War I.

Food Administration Established (1917)

A U.S. agency managing food production during WWI, encouraging voluntary conservation measures.

Committee on Public Information (1917)

A U.S. government agency created to influence public opinion and rally support for the war through propaganda.

Espionage Act (1917)

A law making it illegal to interfere with military operations or support U.S. enemies during wartime.

US Declares War on Germany (1917)

The U.S. entered WWI following the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram and Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare.

Great Migration (1917-1918)

The migration of over 400,000 Black Americans from the rural South to northern cities seeking better opportunities.

First Red Scare (1917-1920)

A period of widespread fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies following the Russian Revolution.

Fourteen Points Proposed by Wilson (1918)

Woodrow Wilson's proposal outlining principles for a post-war world, including the League of Nations.

Sedition Act (1918)

A law making it a crime to speak out against the U.S. government, flag, or military during wartime.

National War Labor Board (1918)

An agency that aimed to prevent strikes and ensure labor stability during WWI.

Schenck v. U.S. (1919)

A Supreme Court case upholding the Espionage Act, limiting free speech if it posed a clear and present danger.

Treaty of Versailles Not Ratified by US/Henry Cabot Lodge (1919)

The U.S. Senate refused to ratify the treaty due to opposition from some senators fearing it would undermine U.S. sovereignty.

League of Nations Founded (1920)

An international organization created after WWI to promote peace and cooperation, though the U.S. did not join.

Sacco and Vanzetti Cases (1920)

A trial in which two Italian immigrants were convicted of murder based on weak evidence, highlighting racial biases.

Harlem Renaissance (1920s)

A cultural movement celebrating Black culture through music, literature, and art centered in Harlem.

American Civil Liberties Union Founded (1920)

An organization founded to protect individual rights, particularly in cases where government actions threatened civil liberties.

Scopes Monkey Trial (1925)

A trial in Tennessee where a teacher was charged with teaching evolution, reflecting the clash between science and religion.

Great Depression (1929-1939)

A decade-long economic crisis beginning with the 1929 stock market crash, leading to widespread unemployment.

Black Tuesday (1929)

The day the U.S. stock market crashed, marking the start of the Great Depression.

Agricultural Marketing Act (1929)

A law that authorized the government to purchase surplus farm products to stabilize prices during the Great Depression.

Dust Bowl (1930s)

A period of severe dust storms that displaced thousands of families and devastated agriculture during the Great Depression.

21st Amendment Ratified (1933)

The repeal of Prohibition, allowing the government to tax alcohol sales.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) (1933)

A program aimed at raising crop prices by subsidizing farmers to reduce production.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Is Founded (1933)

A program providing flood control, electricity, and economic development to the Tennessee River Valley.

National Recovery Administration (NRA) (1933)

An agency allowing business, labor, and the public to create codes regulating production and prices.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) (1933)

A New Deal program providing jobs through the construction of public infrastructure.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (1933)

A work program hiring young men for conservation projects, contributing to environmental efforts.

Works Progress Administration (WPA) (1935)

A public works program employing millions in construction and artistic projects during the Great Depression.

Social Security Act (1935)

A law providing retirement pensions and unemployment insurance funded by payroll taxes.

The National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) (1935)

An act establishing the National Labor Relations Board to protect workers' rights to unionize.