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George Dewey
The commander of the U.S. Navy's Asiatic Squadron. If war broke out between the U.S. and Spain, his assignment was to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. Dewey and his army took a decisive victory; not a single American life was lost, but nearly 400 Spaniards were injured or killed in the Battle of Manila Bay. -
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William McKinley (as President)
Historical Theme: Geography, Politics McKinley favored overseas annexation and spoke of the need "to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them." When Spain did not grant Cuba its independence, declared a state of war and began the Spanish-American War. -
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Battle of Veracruz
Upon learning that a German ship loaded with weapons for Huerta was heading for the Mexican port city of Veracruz, President Wilson ordered the U.S. Navy to seize the city. 17 Americans and some 300 Mexicans died in this battle. -
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Joseph Pulitzer
Publisher of the New York World, a widely read paper in New York City. Used yellow journalism. -
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Woodrow Wilson (as President)
Historical Theme: Politics, Foreign Policy Rejected dollar diplomacy in favor of moral diplomacy. The Tampico Incident allowed Wilson to move openly against Huerta in the Mexican Revolution. U.S. stayed neutral in WWI, but Wilson favored the Allied cause; declared war only when Germans violated American neutrality. -
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William H. Taft (as President)
Historical Theme: Foreign Policy. Taft believed in advancing U.S. interests in other countries through dollar diplomacy, a policy of promoting American economic interests in other countries and using that economic power to achieve American policy goals. -
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Theodore Roosevelt (as President)
Historical Theme: Politics, Foreign Policy Negotiated a treaty between Russia and Japan, received a Nobel Peace Prize. Issued Roosevelt Corollary in which the U.S. pledged to use armed forces to prevent any European country from seizing Dominican territory. -
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Kaiser Wilhelm II
German emperor who wanted colonies for Germany. This meant Germany would need a stronger military. When the war began midsummer, he had promised his German soldiers they would be home "before the leaves had fallen." -
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John J. Pershing
General of a military expedition to hunt down Pancho Villa. The farther Pershing went into Mexican territory, the more the Mexicans resented the Americans. -
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William Randolph Hearst
Publisher of the New York Journal, a widely read paper in New York City. Used yellow journalism. -
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Warren G. Harding (as President)
Historical Theme: Economics. Harding's answer to the nation's postwar economic troubles was his campaign slogan: "less government in business and more business in government." Sought to cut the federal budget and reduce taxes on the wealthiest Americans. To compensate for his lack in governing skills, he appointed highly skilled people to his cabinet. He also gave friends government posts which led to the corruption of his administration. -
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Imperialism
The extension of a nation's power over other lands -
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Calvin Coolidge (as President)
Historical Theme: Politics, Economics. Unshakable faith in the power of business and industry. He believed business would promote the arts and sciences. Strong belief that the role of government should be very limited. Believed in lowering taxes and reducing the federal budget. Also worked to weaken regulations on industry. -
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Francisco "Pancho" Villa
Led a large-scale revolt against Diaz in northern Mexico. Retaliated with violence against Venustiano Carranza when he declared himself the leader of the Mexican Revolution. Leading hundreds of troops, they burned a town and killed 17 Americans. A military expedition searched for 11 months but could not capture Pancho Villa. -
Triple Alliance
Military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. -
Bayonet Constitution
A new constitution that severely restricted the king's power and deprived most Hawaiians of the vote. Held at gunpoint, King Kalakaua signed over Pearl Harbor to the United States. When the king died, his sister, Liliuokalani became queen. She wanted to get rid of the bayonet constitution but eventually surrendered. -
Yellow Journalism
Sensationalist reporting through the use of scandalous stories and large, shocking illustrations. Named after the "Yellow Kid," a popular comic strip. -
de Lome Letter
A letter written by Enrique Dupuy de Lome (Spain's minister) to the United States. It ridiculed McKinley for being "weak and catering to the rabble." -
Explosion of the Maine
The battleship USS Maine had been sent to Havana to protect American lives and property. It mysteriously blew up, killing 260 sailors. Papers reported the explosion as the work of an enemy and Spain was blamed, although there was no proof. -
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Spanish-American War
Congress declared a state of war on Spain when they refused to grant Cuba its independence. Fought on two fronts: Cuba and the Philippines. Although it lasted only about 4 months, its impact would be felt for years. -
Rough Riders
Volunteers who fought in Cuba. Included college athletes, cowboys, ranchers, and miners. Ended up functioning as foot soldiers instead of as a cavalry. -
Philippine Annexation
A controversial matter as some Americans were uneasy with the idea of controlling overseas territories, while others believed that imperialism not only made the United States stronger but also benefited those under colonial rule. A treaty calling for annexation passed on Feb. 6, 1899. -
Open Door Policy
Gave all nations equal trading rights in China. -
Foraker Act
Established that the United States would appoint Puerto Rico's governor and the upper house of its legislature. Puerto Rican voters would elect the lower house. -
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Boxer Rebellion
Known to westerners as Boxers, these individuals were part of a secret group called the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists. Boxers laid siege to the capital city of Beijing. The Boxer Rebellion increased support for the Open Door Policy. -
Platt Amendment
The U.S. forced Cuba to include the Platt Amendment as part of its new constitution. The amendment limited Cuba's ability to sign treaties with other nations, gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs, and required Cuba to sell or lease land to the U.S. for naval and coaling stations. -
Cuba Becomes a Protectorate
The Platt Amendment made Cuba a U.S. protectorate, a country under the control and protection of another country. -
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
The Platt Amendment led to the establishment of a U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay. -
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Panama Canal
A faster way to move between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans without having to travel all the way around South America. American work on the Panama Canal began in May 1904 and in August 1914 the SS Arcon became the first ship to pass oficially through the Panama Canal. -
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Russo-Japanese War
Japan wanted Korea and the Chinese province of Manchuria; Russia did as well. The conflict took a toll on both sides, but Japan was the clear victor and emerged as a major power. -
Roosevelt Corollary
A corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. Succeeded in bringing more stability to the Dominican Republic region and keeping other nations out, but America's willingness to use its police power made Latin Americans worried about continued U.S. involvement in their affairs. -
Triple Entente
Alliance between Britain, France, and Russia. Entente in French means "understanding." -
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Dollar Diplomacy
A policy of promoting American economic interests in other countries and using that economic power to achieve American policy goals. Created during the presidency of William H. Taft, who believed in advancing U.S. interests in other countries. Caused resentment (ex: American banks made loans to the Nicaraguan government and became heavily involved in the economy). -
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Mexican Revolution
A series of uprisings in different parts of Mexico that occurred during Porfirio Diaz's dictatorship. Rebel leaders include Emiliano Zapata, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and Pascual Orozco. The U.S. became involved, leaving a strain on Mexico-U.S. relations for the rest of Wilson's presidency. Mexico placed a new constitution in effect. Mexico's economy suffered terribly and many Mexicans immigrated to the U.S. in search of work and a more stable life. -
Tampico Incident
Americans went ashore for supplies in the Mexican port of Tampico and were arrested by soldiers loyal to Huerta. They were quickly released and Mexican officials apologized,but the U.S. admiral demanded more than a formal apology and insisted that the Mexicans give the American flag a 21-gun salute within 24 hours. Huerta refused this humiliating demand and the president asked Congress to authorize the use of armed forces against Mexico. Congress approved. -
Archduke Franz Ferdinand - Assassination
Led to World War I. Austria-Hungarian officials learned that the Serbian government had supplied the assassins with bombs and weapons. Austria-Hungary blamed Serbia for Ferdinand's murder and declared war. Russia had promised to protect Serbian Slavs and prepared for war. As an ally of Austria-Hungary, Germany viewed Russia's mobilization as an act of aggression and declared war on Russia, then declared war on Russia's ally, France. The beginning of all-out war. -
Nationalism
One of the causes of World War I. An extreme pride or devotion that people feel for their country or culture. Led to the formation of new nations, such as Germany and Italy during the 1870s. Also led to competition for power. -
Imperialism
One of the causes of World War I. Growing nationalism led nations to compete for overseas colonies; this quest for colonial empires was known as imperialism. -
Militarism
One of the causes of World War I. The policy of preparedness and building up weapons. -
Isolationism
A policy of not being involved in the affairs of other nations. Wilson's declaration of neutrality reflected a long-standing American tradition of isolationism. -
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World War I
Caused by nationalism, imperialism, and militarism. Sparked by Archduke Franz Ferdinand's death. Alliances made to maintain peace led Europe directly into war. Trench warfare and new weapons such as poisonous gas were often used. The United States remained neutral until German U-boats sank American ships; war was declared on Germany. In early November 1918, Austria-Hungary signed a peace agreement with the Allies. 8.5M people had been killed. -
Germany Invasion of Belgium (Beginning of WWI)
German troops crossed the border into the neutral country of Belgium in order to catch Belgium and France by surprise. This invasion drew a new, powerful nation into the conflict. Great Britain declared war on Germany; with the entry of Great Britain, most of the major European powers had chosen sides. Another 30 nations would join in the Great War, later called World War I. -
Central Powers
Alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Formed after Great Britain's entry into the war. -
Allied Powers
Alliance between Great Britain, France, and Russia. -
Sinking of Lusitania
British luxury ship, attacked by German submarines. Sank only 18 minutes after it was torpedoes. About 1,200 people died. -
Sussex Pledge
Fearing U.S. involvement in the war, Germany issued the Sussex pledge, which included a promise not to sink merchant vessels "without warning and without saving human lives." -
Zimmerman Note
Proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico in which Mexico would start a war with the U.S. to keep the U.S. out of the war in Europe. Mexico expressed no interest in fighting, so this strategy backfired. The note was intercepted and decoded by the British who sent it to American officials. Excerpts from the telegram were printed in papers and Americans began to call for war against Germany. Wilson continued to resist. -
U.S. Declaration of War on Germany
In mid-march 1917, German U-boats sank three American merchant ships. Outraged about the violation of American neutrality, Wilson called a meeting with his cabinet then asked Congress to declare war on Germany. Congress approved and the U.S. joined on the side of the Allies. -
Selective Service Act
Required men between the ages of 21 and 30 to register to be drafted into the armed forces. Remains in effect today for men 18-25, but has not been instituted since 1973. -
Fourteen Points
President Wilson's plan for world peace. Called for open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, removal of trade barriers, reduction of military arms, a fair systerm to resolve disputes over colonies, self-determination, and the establishment of the League of Nations. -
National War Labor Board
Created by the Wilson administration to keep disruptions to a minimum. The board judged disputes between workers and management, set policies that sought to improve working conditions for all Americans, established the 8-hr workday, urged that businesses recognize labor unions, and promoted equal pay for women who did equal work. -
Treaty of Versailles
Peace treaty that required Germany to disarm its military forces, pay the Allies reparations, and accept sole responsibility for starting the war. Although much harsher than Wilson had wanted, it included some of Wilson's Fourteen Points. -
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Palmer Raids
An attack on suspected radicals in which thousands of members of suspected radical groups were arrested and nearly 250 were deported. -
Schenck v. United States
First major Supreme Court case to consider limits on the First Amendment right of free speech. According to the decision, speech can be limited when it poses a "clear and present danger." -
The First Red Scare
Widespread fear of communism. After the war, communist parties formed in the U.S. Communists wanted a new social system and wanted to overthrow capitalism, which Americans embraced strongly. -
League of Nations
An organization of nations that would work together to settle disputes, protect democracy, and prevent future wars. -
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Teapot Dome Scandal
Worst Harding-era scandal. Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall accepted bribes in return for allowing oil companies to drill federal oil reserves on a piece of federal land known as Teapot Dome in Wyoming. -
Kellogg-Briand Pact
A pact condemning recourse to war for the solution of international controversies and renouncing it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another. A high ideal which over 60 nations signed on. However, no system for enforcement meant the only thing holding nations to their promise was their word, which would not be enough.