history 17-19

1. Imperialism is best described as the policy of stronger nations extending their control over weaker territories through political, military, and economic means.

2. Industrialization and military advancements allowed countries to expand.

3. The British Empire was the country on which “the sun never set” because of its vast global presence.

4. Social Darwinists believed that U.S. expansion was justified because stronger nations were naturally meant to dominate weaker ones.

5. Cuban guerrillas used scorched-earth tactics, such as burning American-owned sugar plantations, to attract U.S. attention.

6. Hearst and Pulitzer increased newspaper circulation through yellow journalism, sensationalizing and exaggerating stories to sway public opinion.

7. The first battle of the Spanish-American War occurred in Manila Bay, Philippines, where the U.S. Navy, led by Commodore George Dewey, defeated the Spanish fleet.

8. Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit in the Spanish-American War.

9. The Platt Amendment limited Cuba’s independence, allowing the U.S. to intervene in its affairs and establish a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

10. The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine stated that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American nations to maintain stability and prevent European involvement.

11. The Open Door Policy allowed the U.S. to trade with China.

12. One root of progressivism was the Social Gospel movement (or another answer from your notes).

13. Progressives believed that the government should be more active in solving social and economic problems.

14. Progressive reforms first took place at the local level, focusing on city governments and public services.

15. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 inspired legislation to protect workers by improving labor laws and safety regulations.

16. The 17th Amendment allowed for the direct election of U.S. senators by the people instead of state legislatures.

17. Roosevelt believed the best way to deal with big corporations was through government regulation, distinguishing between “good” and “bad” trusts.

18. The 1910 Ballinger-Pinchot Affair was a controversy over conservation; Richard Ballinger allowed private development of public lands, and Gifford Pinchot (a conservationist) criticized him, leading to political tensions.

19. The Schlieffen Plan was Germany’s strategy in World War I to avoid a two-front war by quickly defeating France before turning to fight Russia.

20. Many Americans favored neutrality during World War I because they wanted to avoid involvement in European conflicts and maintain trade with both sides.

21. The Lusitania, a British passenger ship, was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915, killing American citizens and increasing tensions.

22. The Zimmerman Telegram was a secret message from Germany to Mexico, proposing an alliance if the U.S. entered the war; it was intercepted by Britain and angered Americans.

23. Wilson said America was entering World War I to “make the world safe for democracy” and protect freedom.

24. The Selective Service Act of 1917 required men to register for the military draft.

25. Liberty Bonds were sold to the public to raise money for the U.S. government to finance World War I.

26. Wilson said America was fighting in World War I to protect democracy and ensure lasting peace.

27. Wilson’s 14 Points included principles like self-determination, free trade, open diplomacy, and the creation of the League of Nations.

28. The Big Four were Woodrow Wilson (U.S.), David Lloyd George (Britain), Georges Clemenceau (France), and Vittorio Orlando (Italy).

29. The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I in 1919.

30. America purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867.

31. Hawaii was important to American business interests due to its strategic location and valuable sugar plantations.

32. The Progressive movement grew from social activism and political reform efforts in response to industrialization.

33. Theodore Roosevelt took significant steps to protect the nation’s natural resources by establishing national parks and conservation policies.

34. When German leaders begged for peace during World War I, the Allies demanded unconditional surrender, leading to the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918.