APUSH Period 7

William H. Seward

U.S. Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869, known for his strong advocacy of American expansionism. He played a key role in the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, which he believed would significantly enhance U.S. power and resources.

Monroe Doctrine

A cornerstone of American foreign policy established in 1823, asserting that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to further European colonization or interference. This doctrine declared any European attempt to intervene in the Americas would be viewed as a threat to U.S. security.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii, who ascended to the throne in 1891. She attempted to implement a new constitution to restore native control and reduce foreign influence, but her reign ended in 1893 when she was overthrown by American business interests and military support.

Pan-American Conferences

A series of meetings held among nations of the Americas, beginning in 1889, aimed at fostering dialogue on economic cooperation, trade, and diplomatic relations. These conferences sought to unify American nations against European intervention and promote stability in the region.

New Imperialism

A phase of aggressive expansion and colonialism by various powers, particularly the U.S. and European nations, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Motivated by economic interests, political ambition, and the desire for military power, it led to the acquisition of territories abroad.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

An influential naval officer and historian whose seminal work, 'The Influence of Sea Power upon History,' argued that national greatness was inextricably linked to a powerful navy and control of international trade routes.

Darwinism

A concept derived from Charles Darwin's theories of evolution, often misapplied in a social context during the late 19th century to justify imperialism. It suggested that stronger nations had a natural right to dominate weaker ones, reinforcing ideas of racial superiority.

Expansionists

Individuals and political factions advocating for the territorial growth of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They often supported U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts and the acquisition of new lands to extend American influence.

Josiah Strong

A Protestant clergyman and public figure who promoted the idea of American imperialism as a divine mission. Believed it was the responsibility of the U.S. to spread its values and institutions, particularly Christianity, to 'weaker' nations.

Jingoism

An extreme form of patriotism characterized by aggressive foreign policy and military intervention. Often supported war to protect national interests and exhibited a belief in the superiority of their nation.

Cuban revolt

A series of uprisings initiated by Cuban nationalists from the 1860s onwards against Spanish colonial rule, eventually leading to the Spanish-American War in 1898. These revolts aimed to achieve Cuban independence and attracted significant sympathy from the U.S.

Yellow journalism

A sensationalist style of news reporting characterized by exaggeration and scandalous headlines, primarily used by newspapers in the late 19th century. This type of journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and escalating tensions leading to the Spanish-American War.

Sinking of the Maine

The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, which resulted in the deaths of 266 American sailors. The incident was widely sensationalized in the press, fueling American public support for intervention in Cuba and leading to the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment

A provision added to the U.S. declaration of war against Spain in 1898, promising that the U.S. would not annex Cuba and would leave control of the island to its people after the war. This amendment reflected American intentions of supporting Cuban independence.

A splendid little war

A phrase coined by Secretary of State John Hay referring to the brief and relatively easy conflict of the Spanish-American War (1898), which resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S. and a redefinition of its role on the world stage.

The Philippines

An archipelago in Southeast Asia that was ceded to the United States by Spain following the Spanish-American War. The U.S. faced a complex transition from colonial power to contested rule, leading to a war.

George Dewey

Admiral in the U.S. Navy who is best remembered for his decisive victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898. His actions established U.S. naval supremacy and marked the beginning of American colonial rule in the Philippines.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. Comprised of a diverse group of college athletes, cowboys, and adventurers, they gained fame for their charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba.

Puerto Rico

An island in the Caribbean acquired by the United States from Spain as a result of the Spanish-American War in 1898. It became an unincorporated U.S. territory, leading to ongoing debates regarding its status and the rights of its inhabitants.

Guam

A Pacific island seized by the United States during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Has since remained a strategic military base and territory, serving as a point of control in the Pacific.

Treaty of Paris

The 1898 agreement that formally ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in the cession of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. This treaty marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power and spurred further imperialist actions.

Emilio Aguinaldo

A Filipino revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence from Spanish rule. After the Spanish-American War, He initially supported American sovereignty but later led a rebellion against U.S. annexation.

Anti-Imperialist League

A coalition formed in 1898 composed of various groups and individuals opposing U.S. expansionism and imperialist policies. The league argued that annexation of territories was contrary to democratic principles and undermined American values.

Insular Cases

A series of Supreme Court decisions in the early 20th century that determined the constitutional status of U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish-American War. These rulings established that full constitutional rights did not automatically extend to these territories.

Platt Amendment 1901

A policy established as part of the 1901 Army Appropriations Bill that stipulated conditions for U.S. intervention in Cuba and restricted Cuban sovereignty. It allowed the U.S. to lease naval bases and intervene for maintaining order.

Spheres of influence

Regions where foreign nations had special rights and privileges, especially significant in the context of late 19th and early 20th century China. This concept underscored the competition among imperial powers for control of trade and resources.

Open Door Policy

A diplomatic initiative established by Secretary of State John Hay in 1899 aimed at securing equal trading rights for all nations in China. This policy was predicated on the belief that free trade would help preserve China's sovereignty.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign, anti-colonial uprising in China between 1899 and 1901, led by the 'Boxers,' a secret society. The rebellion was violently suppressed by an international coalition of forces, furthering foreign control in China.

Big stick diplomacy

The foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing negotiation backed by the threat of military force. This strategy was famously encapsulated in Roosevelt's proverb, 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.'

Theodore Roosevelt

The 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909, known for his progressive domestic policies and assertive foreign policies, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as his role in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Panama Canal

A significant waterway constructed in the early 20th century that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal revolutionized maritime trade and was strategically important for U.S. military and economic interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect U.S. interests, effectively justifying intervention in the region.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict between Russia and Japan from 1904 to 1905, primarily over imperial ambitions in East Asia. A negotiated peace by Theodore Roosevelt marked the first time an Asian power defeated a European power in modern history.

Gentlemen’s Agreement

A diplomatic agreement made in 1907 between the U.S. and Japan, which sought to limit Japanese immigration to the U.S. The agreement aimed to alleviate tensions over Japanese immigration while recognizing Japan's sovereignty.

Great White Fleet

A fleet of U.S. Navy ships that undertook a world tour from 1907 to 1909 to demonstrate U.S. naval power and foster goodwill with other nations, showcasing the military capabilities of the United States on a global stage.

William Howard Taft

The 27th President of the United States, serving from 1909 to 1913, who succeeded Roosevelt. He promoted 'Dollar Diplomacy,' a policy that aimed to use economic power to extend American influence abroad, particularly in Latin America.

Dollar diplomacy

A foreign policy approach of President William Howard Taft emphasizing the use of U.S. financial resources to influence foreign governments and stabilize regions, particularly in Central America and the Caribbean.

Woodrow Wilson

The 28th President of the United States, known for his leadership during World War I and his vision of a post-war world order based on democratic principles and self-determination, as well as for promoting the League of Nations.

Pancho Villa

A prominent Mexican revolutionary general whose raids against U.S. border towns, particularly Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916, prompted American military intervention in Mexico in pursuit of his forces.

Expeditionary force

The American military unit dispatched by President Wilson in 1916 to capture Pancho Villa and restore order in Mexico. The force, led by General John J. Pershing, faced difficulties and was withdrawn after achieving limited objectives.

Lincoln Steffens

A prominent muckraking journalist whose work exposed corruption in urban governance and politics. His articles, collected in 'Shame of the Cities,' highlighted the need for political reform in American cities.

Secret ballot

A voting method that ensures the privacy of voters' choices, adopted to reduce coercion and corruption in elections. Was a fundamental reform to ensure fair democratic processes.

Robert LaFollette

A significant figure in the Progressive movement, serving as Governor of Wisconsin and later a U.S. Senator. He was a staunch advocate for transparency in government, social justice, and labor rights.

Direct primary

A political process developed in the early 20th century that enables party members to directly choose candidates for elections, reducing the influence of party bosses and increasing democratic participation.

Direct election of U.S. Senators

A reform achieved through the 17th Amendment passed in 1913, allowing voters to directly elect their senators, thus enhancing democratic governance and reducing corruption in the Senate.

17th Amendment

Constitutional amendment ratified in 1913 establishing the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote rather than by state legislatures, significantly altering the balance of political power.

Initiative, referendum, recall

Three mechanisms of direct democracy that empower citizens to propose legislation (), approve or reject laws (), and remove elected officials from office before their term ends ().

Wisconsin idea

A progressive reform initiative that originated in a state, emphasizing government accountability, public involvement, and the use of expertise and research to improve policy-making and promote social welfare.

Temperance and prohibition

Movements advocating for the reduction of alcohol consumption, culminating in the passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919 which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the U.S.

National Child Labor Committee

An organization founded in 1904 aimed at ending child labor and promoting laws to ensure children's rights, education, and welfare, advocating for reforms to improve working conditions for young workers.

Triangle Shirtwaist fire

A catastrophic fire in New York City in 1911 that claimed the lives of 146 garment workers. It led to widespread reforms in workplace safety regulations and labor laws.

Square Deal

A term used to describe Theodore Roosevelt's domestic agenda focused on fairness in business, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources, aimed at benefiting the average American citizen.

Trust-busting

The federal government's efforts, particularly under Roosevelt, to break up monopolies and restore competition in various industries by enforcing antitrust laws.

Bad trusts & good trusts

A distinction made by Roosevelt wherein 'bad trusts' were considered harmful to the public interest and competition, while 'good trusts' were efficient and beneficial, leading to the promotion of antitrust laws.

Elkins Act 1903

A significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing railroad industry abuses by prohibiting railroads from offering rebates to preferred customers, thus promoting fair competition in transportation.

Hepburn Act 1906

Legislation strengthening the regulatory powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) by granting it the authority to set maximum railroad rates and expanding its regulatory scope.

The Jungle

A groundbreaking novel written by Upton Sinclair in 1906 that exposed the horrific working conditions and unsanitary practices in the American meatpacking industry, leading to public outcry and significant reforms in food safety.

Upton Sinclair

An influential muckraking journalist and author, primarily known for his novel 'The Jungle,' which dramatically highlighted the need for food safety regulations and initiated reforms in the meatpacking industry.

Pure Food and Drug Act

A landmark law passed in 1906 ensuring that food and pharmaceuticals were accurately labeled and met safety standards. This act laid the groundwork for the modern FDA and consumer protection regulations.

Meat Inspection Act

A federal law enacted in 1906 as a response to The Jungle, mandating the inspection of meat products and ensuring sanitary conditions in meat processing facilities, significantly improving food safety.

Conservation

A movement advocating for the protection and preservation of natural resources, which gained momentum under Roosevelt's administration, emphasizing sustainable practices and the importance of maintaining the environment.

Mann-Elkins Act 1910

Legislation that expanded the regulatory powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to include the regulation of telephone and telegraph rates, reinforcing federal control over the burgeoning telecommunications industry.

16th Amendment

An amendment ratified in 1913 that allows the federal government to collect an income tax from individuals and businesses, marking a shift towards a more progressive taxation system.

Socialist party

A political party founded in the late 19th century that advocated for the public ownership of the means of production, social welfare programs, and economic equality, gaining significant traction in early 20th century America.

Eugene V. Debs

A prominent labor leader and one of the founding members of the Socialist Party of America, who ran for president five times, advocating for workers' rights, socialism, and social justice.

Bull Moose Party

A progressive political party formed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 after a split from the Republican Party, focusing on reforms such as women's suffrage, labor rights, and the regulation of corporations.

New Nationalism

The progressive political philosophy espoused by Roosevelt during his 1912 presidential campaign, advocating for strong government intervention to regulate the economy, provide social justice, and support labor rights.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson's progressive platform during his 1912 presidential campaign, emphasizing limited government, antitrust regulation, and the promotion of economic opportunities by reducing monopolistic practices.

Underwood Tariff

Tariff legislation passed in 1913 that significantly reduced tariffs on imported goods and reintroduced a federal income tax, which aimed to lower consumer prices and promote competition.

Federal Reserve Board

An independent agency of the federal government established in 1913, tasked with regulating the U.S. monetary system and providing the country with a safer, more flexible, and more stable financial framework.

Clayton Antitrust Act

A 1914 law that strengthened antitrust protections by prohibiting specific anti-competitive practices and enhancing the legal rights of workers and unions, thus providing greater protections against monopolies.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

An independent federal agency established in 1914 to promote consumer protection and eliminate harmful business practices, including unfair competition, deception, and antitrust violations.

Child Labor Act 1916

A piece of legislation aimed at prohibiting the interstate commerce of goods produced by child labor, signifying a significant step toward the protection of children’s rights and the improvement of labor laws.

Booker T. Washington

A prominent African American educator and leader who advocated for vocational education and economic self-reliance as a means for African Americans to improve their social status and promote racial uplift.

W.E.B. DuBois

A leading African American intellectual and civil rights activist who championed immediate civil rights and higher education for African Americans, contrasting with Booker T. Washington's more gradual approach.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Founded in 1909, this civil rights organization was dedicated to fighting racial discrimination and advancing justice for African Americans through legal challenges, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.

National Urban League

An organization founded in 1910 aimed at improving economic opportunities and quality of life for African Americans in urban areas, focusing on employment, housing, and education.

National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA)

A leading organization in the women's suffrage movement founded in 1890, which played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and the right to vote through lobbying, education, and activism.

Alice Paul

A key figure in the women's suffrage movement who founded the National Woman's Party and was known for her more militant tactics and focus on a constitutional amendment to guarantee women's voting rights.

National Woman’s Party

An organization established in 1916 advocating for women's suffrage that utilized direct action tactics, including protests and hunger strikes, to push for the right to vote for women.

19th Amendment

Ratified in 1920, this constitutional amendment granted women the right to vote in the United States, marking a significant victory for the women's suffrage movement and transforming the electoral landscape.

League of Women Voters

An organization established after the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 to educate voters about political issues and encourage civic engagement among women, promoting informed and active participation in democracy.

Margaret Sanger

A prominent advocate for birth control and women's reproductive rights, she founded Planned Parenthood and campaigned for access to contraceptive methods and reproductive education, significantly impacting women's health policy.

Neutrality

A foreign policy stance characterized by non-involvement in military conflicts and alliances. The U.S. adopted a policy of neutrality leading up to and during the early years of World War I.

Allied Powers

The coalition of nations, including the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, and later Italy, that fought against the Central Powers during World War I, working together to achieve victory in the conflict.

Central Powers

The alliance formed by Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria during World War I, opposing the Allied Powers.

Submarine warfare

A naval strategy employed by Germany during World War I that involved the unrestricted use of submarines to attack merchant and military ships, contributing to escalated tensions with neutral countries, notably the U.S.

Lusitania

A British ocean liner that was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, an event that resulted in the deaths of 128 Americans and stirred public outrage, significantly influencing U.S. sentiments toward entering World War I.

Sussex Pledge

A promise made by Germany to the United States in 1916 to restrict submarine warfare and avoid attacking unarmed merchant ships, made in response to U.S. diplomatic protests following attacks on American vessels.

Propaganda

Strategic communication efforts aimed at influencing public opinion and behavior, particularly prevalent during wartime to garner support for military actions and promote national sentiment.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret communication sent by German Foreign Minister Arthur Zimmermann to Mexico in January 1917, proposing a military alliance against the U.S. This telegram was intercepted and contributed to the American decision to enter World War I.

Russian Revolution

The 1917 revolution that led to the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the establishment of a communist government in the aftermath of widespread discontent and social upheaval, influencing global politics.

American Expeditionary Force (AEF)

The U.S. military forces, commanded by General John J. Pershing, sent to Europe during World War I to fight alongside Allied forces on the Western Front, playing a crucial role in the victory over the Central Powers.

Western Front

The primary theater of military operations during World War I, stretching across Belgium and France, characterized by trench warfare and significant loss of life as both sides fought for control.

Peace without victory

A vision articulated by President Woodrow Wilson proposing a post-World War I settlement emphasizing reconciliation rather than punishment, aimed at preventing future conflicts and fostering international cooperation.

Fourteen Points

A framework developed by President Wilson outlining his vision for a peaceful post-war world, which included principles such as self-determination for nations, freedom of the seas, and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Big Four

The major Allied leaders who met at the Versailles Conference in 1919: U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French Premier Georges Clemenceau, and Italian Prime Minister Vittorio Orlando, shaping the post-war settlement.

Treaty of Versailles

The 1919 peace treaty that officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, and establishing the League of Nations as a framework for future international cooperation.

League of Nations

An international organization founded after World War I aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among countries, although it ultimately struggled to maintain its effectiveness due to the absence of major powers like the U.S.

Henry Cabot Lodge

A prominent U.S. senator and leading opponent of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, arguing that the League would undermine U.S. sovereignty and entangle the country in foreign conflicts.