Moral Diplomacy Flashcards

Moral Diplomacy

• Developed by President Woodrow Wilson, aimed to promote democracy and peace while condemning imperialism.
• Advocated for supporting countries whose values aligned with American ideals.

Dollar Diplomacy

• Introduced by President William Howard Taft, encouraged American investments in Latin America for economic gain.
• Aimed to promote stability and American interests abroad through financial means.

Big Stick Diplomacy

• Associated with President Theodore Roosevelt, characterized by the phrase, "speak softly and carry a big stick".
• Emphasized military strength and readiness, while advocating for peaceful negotiations.

Trustbuster

• Nickname for President Theodore Roosevelt due to his efforts to dismantle monopolies using the Sherman Antitrust Act.
• Notably took action against the Northern Securities Company to break up monopolistic practices.

Reasons for Settling the West

• Provided opportunities for new beginnings and self-sufficiency, especially as urban areas became crowded.
• The Homestead Act facilitated westward expansion by offering cheap land.

Arguments Against Imperialism

• Can lead to international tensions and conflicts over territorial claims.
• Many former colonies viewed American expansion as hypocritical and unfair given the U.S.'s own colonial history.

Alfred T. Mahan

• A naval officer whose works emphasized the importance of naval power for national greatness, notably "Influence of Sea Power Upon History."
• Influenced U.S. naval expansion and imperial policies.

Yellow Journalism

• A sensationalist style of journalism characterized by exaggerated reporting, often used during the Spanish-American War.
• Aimed to provoke public interest and sway opinion on political issues.

Results of the Spanish-American War

• The U.S. acquired territories, including the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam, establishing itself as a global power.
• Set the stage for increased U.S. involvement in foreign affairs.

Panama Canal

• Constructed under Theodore Roosevelt to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, revolutionizing trade routes.
• Demonstrated American engineering prowess and strategic military interests.

Progressivism

• A response to social and economic challenges from industrialization, focusing on reform movements for societal improvement.

Northern Securities Case

• A landmark antitrust case that established Roosevelt's reputation as a "Trustbuster" by dismantling a powerful railroad monopoly.

Muckrakers

• Reform-minded journalists addressed corruption and social issues, including:
  • Ida Tarbell - "The History of Standard Oil"
  • Upton Sinclair - "The Jungle"

MAIN Causes of WWI

• Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism, and triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Reasons for U.S. Entry into WWI

• Provoked by the sinking of the Lusitania and the interception of the Zimmerman telegram, leading to a feeling of threat from Germany.

Committee on Public Information

• Created propaganda campaigns to promote the U.S. war effort during WWI and limit anti-war sentiment.

Wilson's 14 Points

• A set of principles proposed by President Woodrow Wilson aimed at ensuring global peace and self-determination, including the establishment of the League of Nations.

Treaty of Versailles

• Ended WWI, imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany, which contributed to future conflicts, including the rise of Nazism.

Open Door Policy

• A diplomatic policy established by Secretary of State John Hay to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China.

Sedition and Espionage Acts

• Legislation that restricted free speech against the war effort during WWI; enforced penalties for anti-war activities or expression.

War Industries Board

• Established to coordinate and control wartime production and resource allocation in the U.S. during WWI.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

• A catastrophic factory fire in New York City that underscored the need for improved safety regulations and labor protections in industrial workplaces.

Antiquities Act

• Enacted by Theodore Roosevelt, allowing for the designation of national monuments to preserve significant natural and cultural resources.

U.S. Imperialist Acquisitions

• Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines were acquired for military and strategic reasons, demonstrating a more aggressive American foreign policy.

Platt Amendment

• Legislation that restricted Cuba's sovereignty and granted the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.

Teller Amendment

• Assured that the U.S. would not annex Cuba following the Spanish-American War, allowing for Cuban self-governance.

Sinking of the Maine

• A pivotal incident leading to the Spanish-American War; the destruction of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor increased tensions with Spain.

Seward's Folly

• The critical term used to describe the U.S. acquisition of Alaska, showcasing opposition against Secretary of State William H. Seward's expansionist vision.

Senators Borah and Lodge

• Key figures in opposition to the League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles, labeled as "irreconcilables".

Gifford Pinchot

• An important figure in U.S. conservation efforts, served as the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and advocated for sustainable resource management.

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

• A German naval policy permitting the sinking of any ship without warning during WWI, a significant factor leading to U.S. involvement in the conflict.

Test your knowledge of Moral Diplomacy through this flashcard set. Explore the definitions and examples proposed by President Wilson in relation to foreign policy. Perfect for students learning about American history and international relations.