Unit 2 Review: Isolation, Engagement, and the World Wars

A collection of flashcards based on key terms, events, and figures related to U.S. foreign policy during the World Wars and their aftermath.

What role did the America First Committee play in U.S. foreign policy during the 1930s?

The America First Committee was an isolationist group that opposed U.S. intervention in WWII.

What does appeasement refer to in the context of the 1930s?

Appeasement refers to the strategy of giving in to aggressive demands to maintain peace.

What was Article X of the Treaty of Versailles?

Article X called for mutual defense among League of Nations members.

What was the significance of the Atlantic Charter?

The Atlantic Charter outlined Allied goals for the post-war world and emphasized self-determination.

Describe the Bretton Woods System.

The Bretton Woods System established fixed exchange rates and created institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

What was the Cash and Carry policy?

Cash and Carry allowed belligerents to purchase goods from the U.S. if they paid in cash and transported the goods themselves.

Who was Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR)?

FDR was the 32nd President of the United States, serving during the Great Depression and most of WWII.

What was the Grand Alliance during WWII?

The Grand Alliance included the U.S., the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom against the Axis Powers.

Who were the Axis Powers in WWII?

The Axis Powers included Germany, Italy, and Japan.

What was the Great Depression?

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that took place during the 1930s.

What is the difference between Idealism and Realism in foreign policy?

Idealism emphasizes moral values and international cooperation, while Realism focuses on power and national interests.

What is the difference between Isolationism and Engagement?

Isolationism is a policy of avoiding international alliances, while Engagement involves active participation in global affairs.

What was the Japanese Invasion of Manchuria?

The Japanese Invasion of Manchuria in 1931 marked Japan's expansionist aggression in Asia.

What was the Korean War?

The Korean War (1950-1953) was a conflict between North and South Korea, influenced by Cold War dynamics.

What was the League of Nations?

The League of Nations was an international organization established after WWI to promote peace and cooperation.

What was the Lend-Lease Act?

The Lend-Lease Act allowed the U.S. to supply Allied nations with military equipment during WWII.

What is the Liberal World Order?

The Liberal World Order is a global system based on rules, international cooperation, and democratic governance.

What event prompted the U.S. to enter WWII?

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to the U.S. entry into WWII.

What is the significance of the Lusitania?

The sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat in 1915 influenced U.S. opinion against Germany.

What does M.A.N.I.A. refer to in the context of WWI?

M.A.N.I.A. stands for Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Assassination as causes of WWI.

What was the Marshall Plan (ERP)?

The Marshall Plan was a U.S. program providing aid to Western Europe for economic recovery after WWII.

What are the Neutrality Acts?

The Neutrality Acts were laws aimed at preventing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts in the 1930s.

What was Pearl Harbor?

Pearl Harbor was a U.S. naval base attacked by Japan, leading to U.S. entry into WWII.

Who were the Permanent 5 in the UN Security Council?

The Permanent 5 includes the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, and China.

What is the Selective Service Act?

The Selective Service Act mandated military conscription during times of war.

What was the position of Senators Lodge and Borah (Irreconcilables) regarding the Treaty of Versailles?

Senators Lodge and Borah opposed the Treaty of Versailles and the U.S. joining the League of Nations.

What are the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente?

The Triple Alliance consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, while the Triple Entente included Britain, France, and Russia.

What is unilateralism in foreign policy?

Unilateralism refers to a nation acting independently in its foreign affairs without seeking multilateral agreements.

What is multilateralism in foreign policy?

Multilateralism involves multiple countries working together on global issues and agreements.

What was the United Nations established for?

The UN was established to promote international cooperation, peace, and security after WWII.

Who was Woodrow Wilson?

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the U.S., known for his role in WWI and advocating the League of Nations.

What is the Zimmermann Telegram?

The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret diplomatic communication from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance against the U.S.

What were Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points?

The Fourteen Points outlined Wilson's vision for a just peace and include principles such as self-determination.

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

The Treaty of Versailles was the peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing heavy reparations on Germany.

What was FDR's Four Freedoms Speech?

FDR's Four Freedoms Speech articulated the essential freedoms: speech, worship, want, and fear.

What was the United Nations Charter?

The UN Charter, signed in 1945, established the United Nations and its purposes and principles.

What year did the League of Nations fail?

The League of Nations was disbanded in 1946.

Why did the U.S. choose to join the UN but not the League of Nations?

The U.S. joined the UN for collective security, unlike the League, which was seen as ineffective.

What influenced American foreign policy more significantly, Realism or Idealism?

This is debated, but many argue Realism had a more profound impact, especially during and after the World Wars.

Why did the Liberal World Order emerge after WWII?

The Liberal World Order emerged to create a stable international environment based on democracy and cooperation.