History Test study guide (standard 4) Flashcards
Social Darwinism
The belief that certain nations and races were superior to others and therefore destined to rule (“survival of the fittest”)
What would someone who supports social darwinism think of imperialism?
They would support it
Imperialism
Expansion of American political, economic, cultural, and military influence outside of the U.S.
Militarism
Glorification of the military
How could you relate militarism to imperialism?
Militarism makes imperialism possible, to expand you need to have a strong army, like having a strong navy to expand markets
What is “Yellow Journalism” and why was it used?
Refers to sensationalistic or biased stories that newspapers present as an objective truth, used to drive the U.S. to war (spanish-american war)
Theodore Roosevelt
The 26th president who was the main constructor of the Panama Canal and assistant secretary of the Navy
Queen Liliuokalani
The last sovereign monarch of Hawaii
US Ambassador John L. Stevens
US ambassador to Hawaii
Sanford Dole
American businessmen in Hawaii
Alfred Thayer Mahan
Author and admiral who advocated for increased naval sizes, believed that supremacy at sea was essential for political and commercial success
What three factors led to the Spanish-American War for the United States?
Sinking of the USS. Maine, yellow journalism, and the Delome letter
Explain Teddy Roosevelt’s approach to foreign policy as reflected in the proverb, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”?
The idea is backing up negotiations with military strength
What did Woodrow Wilson hope to achieve with his “Missionary/Moral Diplomacy”?
To promote democracy
What was the Open Door Policy?
Opening access to China for American investments and commercial interests (making sure Europe did not take control)
Why did William Howard Taft issue his foreign policy called “Dollar Diplomacy”?
To protect American investors with military action if necessary
How did the US get the land for the Panama Canal?
By helping Panama in its fight for independence from Colombia
Isolationism
National policy of avoiding political or economic entanglements with other countries
What did the Committee of Public Information do during the war?
Produced propaganda to encourage the war effort
League of Nations
World organization established after World War I to promote peaceful cooperation between countries
What was considered a weakness of the League of Nations?
America never joined
What were the causes of the US involvement in World War I?
The Lusitania sinking, unrestricted submarine warfare (German U-boat activity), and Zimmerman telegram
Why did the Senate reject the Versailles Treaty?
They thought American soldiers would be obligated to get involved in foreign entanglements
For what reasons was Warren G. Harding elected President in 1920?
He promised a return to normalcy and the American economy to be independent of foreign influence
