Unit 7 Study Guide: Empire, Reform, Crisis, and Global War (1890–1945)

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's rule over foreign countries, often for economic markets, military bases, or ideological superiority.

Census Bureau

The U.S. government agency that declared the American frontier 'closed' in 1890.

Social Darwinism

A belief that used Darwin's theory of evolution to justify the expansion of empires and superiority of certain races.

Spanish-American War

A conflict (1898) marking the U.S. emergence as a world power, often called a 'splendid little war'.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized reporting that inflamed public opinion, notably associated with Hearst and Pulitzer.

The De Lôme Letter

A private letter from a Spanish diplomat criticizing President McKinley, contributing to U.S. outrage.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

The treaty that granted the U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

Legislation allowing U.S. intervention in Cuba, essentially making it a protectorate.

Anti-Imperialist League

A group opposing imperialism, arguing that it violated the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Insular Cases

Supreme Court rulings determining that constitutional rights do not automatically extend to U.S. territories.

Open Door Policy (1899)

A policy declaring equal trading rights for all nations in China, promoted by Secretary of State John Hay.

Panama Canal

A canal built under TR's supervision, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly shortening shipping times.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting that the U.S. could intervene in Latin America to maintain order.

Initiative

A legal process allowing voters to propose laws directly.

Referendum

A process allowing voters to directly vote on laws proposed by the legislature.

Recall

A procedure allowing voters to remove elected officials before their term ends.

Direct Primary

An electoral process where voters choose candidates within their party.

16th Amendment

Amendment that allowed Congress to levy income tax.

17th Amendment

Amendment establishing direct election of Senators by popular vote.

18th Amendment

Amendment that prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Amendment granting women the right to vote, ratified in 1920.

The Square Deal

The domestic program of Theodore Roosevelt aimed at fairness and equality for all Americans.

Sherman Antitrust Act

A federal statute aimed at preventing monopolies and promoting competition.

Meat Inspection Act

A law established to ensure sanitary conditions in meatpacking plants.

Pure Food and Drug Act

Legislation aimed at preventing contaminated food and drugs from being sold.

Conservation vs Preservation

Conservation advocates sustainable use of natural resources, while preservation seeks to protect nature in its untouched state.

Triple Wall of Privilege

Woodrow Wilson's term for the three targets of reform: tariffs, banks, and trusts.

Federal Reserve Act (1913)

Established a central banking system to regulate the U.S. money supply.

Clayton Antitrust Act

Strengthened antitrust laws and exempted labor unions from being prosecuted as monopolies.

Civil Rights Limitations

The failure of Progressives to address the civil rights of African Americans during their reforms.

Great Migration

The movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North for industrial jobs during WWI.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

Germany's naval policy of sinking ships without warning, including neutral vessels, leading to U.S. involvement in WWI.

Zimmerman Telegram

A secret communication proposing a military alliance between Germany and Mexico, influencing U.S. entry into WWI.

Espionage and Sedition Acts

Laws that restricted criticism of the government and war effort during WWI.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Supreme Court case ruling that speech posing a 'clear and present danger' is not protected by the First Amendment.

Wilson's Fourteen Points

President Wilson's proposal for peace after WWI including free trade and the establishment of the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WWI, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.

League of Nations

An international organization established after WWI aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among countries.

Henry Cabot Lodge

Republican senator who led opposition to the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.

Isolationism

A foreign policy approach advocating for minimal involvement in international affairs, particularly post-WWI.

The Roaring Twenties

A decade characterized by economic prosperity, cultural conflict, and significant social change in the U.S.