Spheres of influence show control, armistices stop fighting, isthmuses are strategic, nationalism fuels conflict, stalemates are deadlocks, propaganda manipulates, dissent opposes, reparations pay for damages.
Mocked as a frozen wasteland at first, Alaska's worth became clear with gold discoveries and its strategic location.
Anti-foreign uprising in China that led to the U.S. supporting the Open Door policy for equal trade access.
Fueled by outrage over Spanish actions in Cuba, the Maine explosion, and economic interests.
Territories are directly ruled; protectorates have local control but are under U.S. oversight.
Wilson’s involvement in the Mexican Revolution angered Mexico and damaged diplomatic relations.
The tank broke the trench warfare stalemate by crossing no-man’s-land effectively.
Unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmermann Telegram pushed the U.S. into the conflict.
American troops boosted Allied morale and helped shift momentum during WWI.
Suppressed anti-war speech and criticism of the U.S. government during WWI.
Wilson advocated leniency, while other Allies sought harsh penalties against Germany.
Senators feared it would entangle the U.S. in foreign conflicts and undermine national sovereignty.
U.S. annexed Hawaii by force, motivated by economic and military interests.
Nations with existing influence in China resisted the policy due to loss of exclusive access.
Imperialists saw it as strategic and moral; anti-imperialists viewed it as unjust domination.
Asserted U.S. authority to intervene in Latin America to prevent European involvement.
Competition and mistrust led to alliances and an arms race, increasing the chance of war.
Germany viewed U.S. trade and aid to Allies as a sign of partiality.
The Committee on Public Information painted anti-war voices as unpatriotic to build support for the war.
Overlapping claims and ethnic divisions made fair application difficult.