U.S. Presidents and Social Movements

Study Notes

William McKinley

25th President of the United States during the Spanish-American War (1898).
U.S. interests in Cuba led to the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine, prompting media pressure for war.
Signed the Treaty of Paris in 1898, granting independence to Cuba and acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines for $20 million.
Viewed negatively for yielding to media influence regarding military action.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Pioneer of the women's suffrage movement.
Presented the Declaration of Sentiments at the Seneca Falls Convention, addressing broader women’s rights beyond voting.

Woodrow Wilson

28th President and a Democrat known for proposing the League of Nations.
Kept the U.S. neutral during his first term of World War I.
In 1917, sought Congress's declaration of war against Germany following attacks on U.S. ships.

Eugene Debs

Prominent socialist and founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World.
Ran for president as a socialist candidate.

Destruction of the USS Maine

USS Maine, a second-class battleship, was sent to Havana in early 1898 to protect American interests.
Sank on February 15, 1898, due to an explosion in the forward gunpowder magazines, resulting in significant loss of crew lives.

US Invasion of Cuba

Post-sinking of the USS Maine, U.S. citizens blamed Spain, leading to McKinley’s decision to invade Cuba.
The ship was stationed in a Cuban port, intensifying public and political pressure for military action.

Panama Canal

Aimed to enhance global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
U.S. incentives helped Panama gain independence from Colombia in exchange for canal construction rights.
Completion of the canal significantly improved shipping and trade efficiency.

Seneca Falls Conference/Women's Suffrage

Held to discuss women's rights across social, civil, and religious dimensions.
Organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, marking a pivotal moment in the women's rights movement.

US Entry into WWI

U.S. maintained neutrality until 1917, influenced by attacks on U.S. ships and the Zimmerman telegram.
President Wilson requested Congress declare war on Germany to support allies, particularly Great Britain.

Treaty of Versailles

Ended World War I, imposing reparations on Germany and limiting army size.
Redrew national boundaries, often leading to discontent among affected populations.

League of Nations

Established post-WWI as part of the Paris Peace Conference outcomes.
First organization dedicated to maintaining world peace, though it faced various challenges in enforcement.

Militarism

Concept involving the support and building of a strong military, often during peacetime.

Nationalism

Emphasizes patriotism and support for one's country, fostering national pride.

US Construction of the Panama Canal

U.S. negotiated with Colombia for land to build the canal, but they refused to sell.
Capitalized on rising nationalism in Panama to facilitate independence in return for canal construction rights and control.

Woodrow Wilson's Election of 1912

Wilson emerged victorious as Republican votes were divided between Roosevelt (Progressive Party) and Taft, allowing him to secure the presidency.

Description

This quiz covers key U.S. presidents like William McKinley and Woodrow Wilson, along with significant figures in social movements such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Eugene Debs. Test your knowledge on their contributions, political actions, and historical contexts, including the Spanish-American War and women's suffrage.