American Imperialism
What is Imperialism?
When a stronger nation takes control over weaker territories for political or economic reasons.
What event initially sparked World War I in 1914?
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary.
What was the main goal of the Committee on Public Information (CPI)?
To spread propaganda and build public support for the war.
What was Wilson’s plan for lasting peace called?
Hint-He introduced this when the U.S. joined the War
The Fourteen Point Speech
What did “Liberty Bonds” do during WWI?
They helped fund the war by borrowing money from American citizens.
Why 3 things did the U.S. want to gain by going overseas in the late 1800s?
To gain access to new markets, resources, and military bases.
What did the U.S. declare when the war began in Europe?
Neutrality- The U.S. stayed out of the conflict initially
What were “Meatless Mondays” and “Wheatless Wednesdays” (Think about Herbert Hoovers Policy we learned about)
Food conservation programs to send more supplies to soldiers overseas.
What was the main goal of the League of Nations?
DAILY DOUBLE!
To provide a peaceful way to resolve international disputes.
What was “yellow journalism”?
Exaggerated or sensationalized news stories to stir public emotion. Often they were pro war.
What was one reason the U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898?
To control valuable sugar plantations and establish a naval base at Pearl Harbor.
What was unrestricted submarine warfare?
Germany’s policy of sinking any ship (including neutral and passenger ships) near Britain without warning.
How did women contribute to the war effort?
They took over the jobs men left behind when they left for War
Why did the U.S. Senate reject the Treaty of Versailles?
They feared joining the League would limit U.S. independence in foreign affairs.
During the postwar years, Americans’ fear of socialism and communism led to restrictions on free speech and suspicion of immigrants. This reaction was part of a nationwide panic known as this.
The Red Scare
How did Social Darwinism justify imperialism?
It argued that stronger nations had the right to dominate weaker ones, applying “survival of the fittest” to global politics.
How did the Zimmerman (Letter) Telegram influence U.S. involvement?
Germany promised Mexico U.S. territory if it joined the war. This angered Americans and pushed the U.S. closer to war.
What was the Great Migration?
Movement of African Americans from the rural South to northern cities for war-related jobs.
Which Act targeted radicals and immigrants who were seen as threats to U.S. security and at risk of spreading anti-American ideas. (Hint: Still in place)
Espionage Act
This organization pledged to defend American ideals after World War I and urged citizens to oppose radicals and immigrants accused of spreading anti-American ideas
The National Security league
How did the Spanish-American War mark a turning point for U.S. foreign policy?
The U.S. gained overseas territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines), beginning its role as a global power.
How did the U.S. benefit from its initial declare of Neutrality (2 main benefits)
The U.S. benefited economically through its continuation of international trade for both the Allied and Central Powers. They also benefited by being a world creditor which bumped up their status as a powerful country.
Why were civil liberties limited during WWI (e.g., through the Espionage and Sedition Acts)?
The government wanted to silence criticism and maintain national unity during wartime.
How did the Treaty of Versailles treat Germany?
It blamed Germany for the war and imposed heavy reparations and military limits.
How did wartime nationalism affect immigrants and dissenters in the U.S.?
Many faced suspicion, discrimination, and limits on free speech under laws like the Espionage and Sedition Acts