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Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was a document written by President James Monroe stating that any part of the American Continents couln't be colonized. America, being a oung nation, feared that it would be reconquered. They also knew that their security depended on the security of Latiin American countries. At first the document was not enforced. When Cuba was threatened, the US acted. -
Opium War
The Opium War was fought between the British and Chinese after the British had smuggled in Opium to China. The Chinese asked for the British to stop selling the narcotic and got a refusal as the reply. The Chinese suffered a humiliating defeat as their out-dated ships were no match for the powerful steam-powered ships of the industrialized British. The Treaty of Nanjing gave the British Hong Kong and dod not mention opium. -
End of Japanese Isolation
On this date, Commodore Matthew Perry came with a letter from President Millard Fillmore requesting that the Japanese trade with the US. The Japanese were awed by the cannons, guns, and steam powered ships. Perry threatened to come back with more ships if they refused. The reply became the Treaty of Kanagawa opening two ports to the US and allowing an embassy to be set up. -
Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War began when the US joined the Cubans in their struggle for independence. They had business holdings in Cuba so there was an econmic stake. The US launched an attack on Spain's pther colony, the Philippines. The Spanish weren't prepared and lost after about four months. The Treaty of Paris gave the US Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and gave Cuba its independence. The US still had control in Cuba setting up a government as well as exerting control over affairs. -
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution was started by Francisco Madero who believed in a democracy. When he planned to run for president, he was arrested and exiled to the United States where he called for an armed revolution against Porfirio Diaz. Francisco "Pancho" Villa and Emilian Zapata both formed armies to help defeat Diaz. They were both popular leaders determined to see land returned to small farmers and peasants. Diaz agreed to step down in 1911 calling for new elections. -
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the world. It was created by the United States after they were granted permission to build a canal in Panama. The US had helped the people of Panama gain independence from the Colombians. The Panama Canal provided a new route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
