Unit 3 - The U.S. as a Superpower Flashcards
Imperialism
The expansion of American political, economic, cultural, media and military influence beyond the boundaries of the United.
White Man’s Burden
The thought that all other races besides White people are inferior and their burden has to be carried.
Isolationism
A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.
Foreign Policy
A country’s objectives and activities in relation to other countries.
Domestic Policy
The set of decisions that a government makes relating to things that directly affect the people in its own country.
Annex
The act of adding (a territory) to one’s own territory to form a larger country.
Yellow Journalism
Journalism that is based upon sensationalism and exaggeration used to create impacts on the public.
Open Door Policy
The diplomatic policy established that called for a system of equal trade and investment and to guarantee the territorial integrity of China.
Justify
Show or prove to be right or reasonable.
Monroe Doctrine
The foreign policy that opposes European colonialism in the Western Hemisphere.
Roosevelt Corollary
Stated that not only were the nations of the Western Hemisphere not open to colonization by European powers, but that the United States had the responsibility to preserve order and protect life and property in those countries.
Big Stick Policy
Symbolizes America’s power and readiness to use military force if necessary towards European powers if crossing the Western Hemisphere.
Dollar Diplomacy
The use of a country’s financial power to extend its international influence.
Militarism
The belief or desire of a government or people that a country should maintain a strong military capability and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote national interests.
Alliances
A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
Domino Effect
A Cold War policy that suggested a communist government in one nation would quickly lead to communist takeovers in neighboring states, each falling like a row of dominoes.
Neutrality
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.
Trench Warfare
A type of combat in which opposing troops fight from man made long holes facing each other.
Stalemate
A situation in which further action or progress by opposing or competing parties seems impossible.
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
Homefront
The civilian population and activities of a nation whose armed forces are engaged in war abroad back home.
Espionage
The practice of spying or of using spies, typically by governments to obtain political and military information.
Sedition
Forbade the use of “disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language” about the United States government, its flag, or its armed forces or that caused others to view the American government or its institutions with contempt.
Civil Liberties
The state of being subject only to laws established for the good of the community, especially with regard to freedom of action and speech.
The Fourteen Points
Designed to undermine the Central Powers’ will to continue, and to inspire the Allies to victory. Outlined the vision for ending WWI in a way that would prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again.
Ratifying
The process of signing or giving formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.
The League of Nations
An international organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created after the First World War to provide a forum for resolving international disputes.
Sphere of Influence
A country or area in which another country has power to affect developments although it has no formal authority.
Jingoism
Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.
Gentlemen’s Agreement
An informal and legally non-binding agreement between two or more parties.
Neutrality Acts
Tried to keep the United States out of war, by making it illegal for Americans to sell or transport arms, or other war materials to belligerent nations.
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 (GI Bill)
Was a law that provided a range of benefits for some of the returning World War II veterans. Provided college funds, housing, etc.
