Modern History Semester 1

• Capitalism

  An economic and political system, when the market not the state determines distribution and the prices of goods and services.
• Capitalism Laissez-Faire

  Belief that there should be no government interference in the economic or business affairs of individuals
• Capitalism Social Market

  The government has minimal intervention in the economy
• Theodore Roosevelt

  26th president of the US (1901-1909) introduced progressive reform and steered America to become more engaged in foreign affairs
• Trust Busting

  Refers to the actions taken to break up large monopolistic cooperations known as trusts in order to promote fair competition in the economy.
• JP Morgan

  An important American banker who lived from 1837 to 1913. He shaped the modern banking system and helped finance many major projects, such as the creation of railroads.
• William Du Bois

  American civil rights activist and social scientist, dedicated his life to fighting against racial discrimination and promoting equality.
• Booker T. Washington 

   An African American leader and educator who believed that African Americans should focus on gaining economic independence, rather than fighting for immediate political equality. 
• Gilded Age

  (1870 - 1890) A time of immense wealth accumulation for a few while others struggled with poverty and harsh living conditions. Had social and political changes that aimed to address the inequality and injustices of the era.
• Robber Barron

  A term used to describe powerful business leaders during the late 19th century who were seen as using unfair practices to gain huge amounts of wealth.
• Conservatives

  A group of people who have certain beliefs about how society and government should work. Want to keep and protect traditional values and are more skeptical of government involvement in people's lives.
•  Progressives

  A group of people aimed to create a fairer and more just society by working towards social and political reforms that would benefit all people.
• The War of Independence

  1775-1783, Conflict fought between American colonists who wanted to break free from British rule and become an independent nation. resulting in the United States gaining its freedom and becoming a separate country.
• Civil War

  1861-1865, fought between the North and the South over issues like slavery and states' rights.  Led to the abolition of slavery and the preservation of the Union.
• Panama Canal Built

  Man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean through the country of Panama. Built to create a shortcut for ships traveling between the two oceans.
• Woodrow Wilson

  Served as the president of the United States from 1913 to 1921.  Wilson changed the nation's economic policies and led the United States into World War I in 1917. He was the leading architect of the League of Nations
• American Expeditionary Forces

  formation of the United States Armed Forces on the Western Front during World War I, under the command of then-Major General John J. Pershing. 
• Joseph Pershing

  nicknamed "Black Jack", was a United States Army officer. He served as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces(AEF) during World War I from 1917 to 1920
• Zimmerman Telegram

  A secret message sent by Germany to Mexico in 1917, the telegram was decoded by the British, and sent to the US, causing the US the declare war on Germany in 11 December 1941.
• Sinking of the Lusitania

  The Lusitania was a British passenger ship that was attacked and sunk by a German submarine, in 1915, causing outrage in the US.
• Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

  Refers to a tactic used by Germany during World War I. It involved submarines attacking any ships without warning, increasing tensions between nations.
• Sedition Act

   A law passed by the United States government in 1798. It made it a crime to say or write anything negative or critical about the government, the president, or the Congress.
• National Defence Act

  Law that was passed in 1916. It was created to strengthen the military and improve its organisation.
• Declaration of War

  A statement made by the US government in 1917. The United States was officially going to join the war and fight against Germany and its allies.
• Meuse-Argonne Offensive

  A battle that took place during World War I. It was fought between the American and French forces against German soldiers.
• War hawks

  A group of politicians in the United States that believed in using military force to protect and expand American territory. Mainly interested in going to war.
• Isolationism

  A policy that a country can follow where it tries to stay out of the problems and conflicts of other countries as much as possible.
• US Neutrality

  Means that the US chose to stay out of WW1 and not take sides. US did not support the Allies or the Central Powers.
• Militarism

   The belief or policy of a country or government that emphasises and values military strength and power.
• Nationalism

   The belief that one's country is special and superior to others. 
• Alliances

  Agreements or partnerships formed between countries or organizations to support and protect each other. 
• Espionage Act

   A law passed in 1917 during World War I by the United States government to prevent people of sharing or publishing kinds of information that could be useful to the enemy, or to obstruct the war effort. 
• The Great Migration

  Movement of African Americans from the South to the North of the United States during the early 20th century. 
• How where Women impacted in WW1?

  Women took on new roles by working while the men were away fighting. They supported the war effort by making weapons, producing supplies.
• Suffrage

  Allowing the people (specifically female) the right to vote and to participate in political issues.
• Isolationism

  a policy of remaining apart from the political affairs or interests of other countries.
• Woodrow Wilson's 14 points

  Declaration by U.S. Wilson during World War I outlining his proposals for a postwar peace settlement.
• Social impacts of World War 1 (Women)

  WW1 helped to challenge traditional gender roles and led to the women's suffrage movement. As a result, the 19th amendment was passed in 1920
• Social Impacts of World War 1 (African-Americans)


  African Americans served in segregated military units during the war. Despite their sacrifices, African American soldiers still often faced discrimination and unequal treatment.
• Social Impacts of World War 1 (Immigrants)

  Immigrants (Usually German) faced increased suspicion and discrimination. Faced challenges when it came to preserving their cultural identities, as the war led to increased nationalist sentiments.