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Annexation of Hawaii
American annexed Hawaii in 1898 and in 1900 it became an official territory of the United States. By annexing Hawaii the size of the united states increased and many economic options opened for the U.S, these options include better trade routes and better sugar production. The annexation also gave the U.S with valuable naval bases. Eventually, Hawaii would become America's 50th state. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty of Paris (1898) brought an end to the Spanish-American war. The treaty had Spain relinquish ownership of many of their territories to the U.S, the most notable being the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. -
Philippine-American War
Starting 1899 the Philippine-American war a war fought between Filipino nationalists and the U.S. The conflict began shortly after the Spanish-American war ended and America seized control of the Philippines. The war lasted until 1902 and resulted in heavy casualties on both fronts. As a result, the Philippines became a democracy due to U.S interference. -
The Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion was led by a group of Chinese nationalist, known as boxers due to their physical, stature trying to keep Western and Japanese influence out of China. In order to do so, the rebels began killing all Christians and destroying churches. To protect economic interests and the lives of allied nations the U.S entered the battle. After the battle, the U.S established and aided in the formation an education system in China. -
Great White Fleet
In 1907 President Theodore Roosevelt sent a fleet of U.S naval ships across the globe as a show of military power. The fleet stopped at many different countries and U.S territories including Japan, Hawaii, Egypt, New Zealand, and Australia among others. By visiting the country's President Roosevelt believed that any conflict would be deterred after the nations see what they would be up against. -
Occupation of Nicaragua
In 1912 the united states began an official occupation of Nicaragua. The occupation was brought by the Banana Wars, a series of battles lasting 1898-1934 fought over the banana trade, and the desire to build a Nicaraguan canal. Aside from protecting the general interest of the American economy, there was a rebellion breaking out, this rebellion would kick the U.S out if successful, putting American citizens at risk. Overall the U.S had occupied Nicaragua to protect their trade and citizens. -
Mena's Rebellion
In order to protect U.S economic and political interest troops were stationed in Nicaragua in 1912. The occupation upset the majority of Nicaraguan citizens, as a result, a rebellion formed within the Nicaraguan government. After several years the rebellion was quelled. -
Occupation of Veracruz
In 1914 during the border wars with Mexico several U.S sailors were arrested by Mexican authorities while on U.S territory. In response, the U.S began a seven-month occupation of Veracruz. -
Panama Canal
The construction of the Panama Canal began in 1903 and was completed in 1914. 20,000 people died during construction due to Malaria and other complications. The canal cost 10 million dollars to create. By creating the canal the U.S was able to import and export goods to and from other countries easier. -
Sinking of the Lucitania
The Lusitania was a British cruise ship sunk by a German U-Boat on May 7, 1915. The cruise liner was carrying nearly 2000 people of the 2000 passengers more than 1000 died, 128 were American. Despite America following isolationism this tragedy motivated Americans to get involved with WWI to “avenge” those who had died. Despite having motivation war wouldn’t be declared until the Zimmerman Telegram in 1917. -
Zimmermenn Telegram
The Zimmerman telegram was a message sent via telegram from Germany to Mexico stating that if Mexico aids Germany in the war they will help Mexico reclaim Texas and New Mexico from the U.S. The message was intercepted and decode by the Britain before it ever reached Mexico. After the message was decoded it was sent to the U.S to alert them of Germany's plan. Upon discovering Germany's ploy the U.S declared war on Germany officially bringing the U.S into WWI. -
First Red Scare
In 1919 a recent surge of immigrants from nations favoring communism, socialism and anarchism began to cause paranoia of an uprising in the U.S. As a response the U.S government began to put immigrants under intense scrutiny and even deported thousands of people. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, and officially brought an end to WWI. The document forced to Central Powers to pay heavy reparations to the Allied Powers, these reparations.While the document mainly punished the centeral powers it also created the League of Nations,which was suggested by President Woodrow Wilson. -
League of Nations
After the Treaty of Versailles was ratified the League of Nations was formed. The League was made to prevent a second “great war” from occurring. Despite being an idea purported by President Woodrow Wilson the citizens of the U.S didn’t want to join the League at the time. -
Quota act
The Quota act of 1921 restricted immigration into the United States. Only a total of 3% of all immigrants from an area could enter, this percent was taken from previous censuses. This was the first time any limit was established on immigration, also established quotas a standard in U.S immigration.
