US History Definitions Flashcards

Study Notes

Booker T. Washington

Prominent African American leader from the late 1800s until 1915.
Founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, emphasizing vocational education.
Advocated for economic self-sufficiency before demanding equal rights for African Americans.

NAACP

Established in 1910 to promote the rights of African Americans.
Aimed to combat racial discrimination and secure civil rights.
Co-founded by W.E.B. DuBois, a key figure in the civil rights movement.

Yellow Journalism

Describes a sensationalist approach to newspaper reporting.
Focused on exaggerated stories of crime and scandal to attract readers.
Played a significant role in shaping public opinion and increasing newspaper sales.

Plessy v. Ferguson

Landmark court case that upheld racial segregation in public facilities.
Established the "separate but equal" doctrine, legitimizing discriminatory laws.
Set a precedent for institutionalized segregation in the U.S. for decades.

Jim Crow

Refers to a set of laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States.
Emerged in the 1890s, mandating separation of public services based on race.
Institutionalized systemic discrimination against African Americans.

U.S.S. Maine

Warship that exploded in a Cuban harbor in 1898, leading to increased tensions with Spain.
Media blamed Spain for the incident, influencing public sentiment and policy.
Became a catalyst for the Spanish-American War.

Roosevelt Corollary

1904 addition to the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention rights in Latin America.
Intended to maintain stability and prevent European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.
Reflected the U.S. foreign policy approach during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency.

Panama Canal

Major engineering project that created a shortcut between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Completed in the early 20th century, significantly improving maritime trade routes.
Demonstrated U.S. technological and administrative capabilities.

Dollar Diplomacy

Policy introduced by President Taft, focusing on economic influence in international relations.
Encouraged American investments in foreign markets, particularly in Latin America and East Asia.
Aimed at promoting U.S. interests without military intervention.

Socialism

Economic and political philosophy advocating for public ownership/control of essential resources.
Views government involvement as necessary to provide basic human necessities.
Challenges capitalist models by emphasizing collective ownership and distribution of wealth.

Description

Test your knowledge of key figures and organizations in US history with these flashcards. Learn about influential leaders like Booker T. Washington and significant organizations such as the NAACP. Perfect for students seeking to understand the impact of African American leaders and their contributions.