Topic 12 History Review

Question 1

Define isolationism

Answer 1

A national policy of avoiding involvement in foreign affairs

Isolationism often involves a focus on domestic issues and a reluctance to engage in international conflicts.

Question 2

Define imperialism

Answer 2

A policy of extending a country’s power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means

Imperialism often leads to the domination of one nation over another.

Question 3

What is the open door policy?

Answer 3

A diplomatic policy that sought to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China

This policy was crucial in preventing any single power from monopolizing trade with China.

Question 4

Define atrocity

Answer 4

An extremely wicked or cruel act, often involving physical violence or injury

Atrocities are often committed during wartime or in situations of conflict.

Question 5

What is Yellow journalism?

Answer 5

Journalism that exaggerates or fabricates news stories to provoke public interest

Yellow journalism played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the Spanish-American War.

Question 6

Define the Platt Amendment

Answer 6

A U.S. law that stipulated the conditions for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Cuba after the Spanish-American War

It allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and established a U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Question 7

What is a protectorate?

Answer 7

A state that is controlled and protected by another

In a protectorate, the protected state retains some degree of autonomy.

Question 8

Define isthmus

Answer 8

A narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas

The Isthmus of Panama is a notable example.

Question 9

What is dollar diplomacy?

Answer 9

A policy that encourages U.S. financial investment in foreign countries to promote American interests

Dollar diplomacy was especially used in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Question 10

Define moral diplomacy

Answer 10

A foreign policy that promotes the spread of democracy and moral progress

This approach was advocated by President Woodrow Wilson.

Question 11

What is nationalism?

Answer 11

A strong identification with and pride in one’s nation, often leading to the desire for national independence

Nationalism can lead to both unity and conflict within and between nations.

Question 12

Define militarism

Answer 12

The belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively

Militarism often influences national policies and can lead to arms races.

Question 13

What is a terrorist?

Answer 13

A person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims

Terrorism can take many forms and has various motivations.

Question 14

Who were the Central Powers?

Answer 14

A coalition during World War I that included Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria

The Central Powers opposed the Allied Powers.

Question 15

Who were the Allied Powers?

Answer 15

A coalition during World War I that included France, Britain, Russia, Italy, and the United States

The Allied Powers fought against the Central Powers.

Question 16

Define trench warfare

Answer 16

A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from trenches facing each other

Trench warfare was a hallmark of World War I, leading to stalemates and heavy casualties.

Question 17

What does it mean to be neutral?

Answer 17

Not taking sides in a conflict or disagreement

Neutral countries often seek to mediate or provide humanitarian aid.

Question 18

Define propaganda

Answer 18

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view

Propaganda is often used in wartime to influence public opinion.

Question 19

What is a warmonger?

Answer 19

A person who advocates for war or a policy of aggressive military action

Warmongers often push for military intervention in conflicts.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The _______ was a law that required men to register for military service.

Answer 20

Selective Service Act

The Selective Service Act was enacted in the U.S. during World War I.

Question 21

Define bureaucracy

Answer 21

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives

Bureaucracy is characterized by hierarchical structures and established rules.

Question 22

What is a pacifist?

Answer 22

A person who believes that war and violence are unjustifiable and advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts

Pacifists often promote nonviolent resistance.

Question 23

Define armistice

Answer 23

An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time

Armistices are often precursors to peace treaties.

Question 24

What is the League of Nations?

Answer 24

An intergovernmental organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries

The League of Nations aimed to prevent future wars but ultimately failed to maintain peace.

Question 25

What was the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 25

The peace treaty that ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany

The Treaty of Versailles is often cited as a factor leading to World War II.

Question 26

Define mandate

Answer 26

An authoritative command or instruction, often referring to a territory administered by a foreign power under the League of Nations’ oversight

Mandates were established after World War I to manage former territories of the Ottoman Empire and Germany.