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Period: to
Imperialist Era
This era took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. -
Commodore Matthew Perry - Tokyo Bay, Japan
Commodore Matthew Perry sailed a fleet of American warships to present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan. He was allowed to access the ports because of the lavish gifts he gave to the Japanese Emperor. Japan realized they were behind in military technology and decided to open trade with the United States with the help of a treaty. This event made a precedent for further expansion across the Pacific Ocean. -
The Purchase of Alaska
Secretary of State Wiliam Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. The purchase doubled the country's size, expanded the United States' reach across the Pacific Ocean, and was rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources. -
Influence of Power Upon History
Alfred Thayer Mahan, a military historian and naval officer wrote and published this book. It stated that the United States needed to have a modern navy as well as foreign bases. These ideas expanded and modernized the navy by building new steel-plated steam powered battle ships like the USS Maine. -
The USS Maine Blows Up
After the release of the Journal, which contained Lôme's insult calling McKinley "a weak and stupid politician," the Maine exploded in Havana harbor. Two hundred sixty-six people on board of the Maine died. Even though the Yellow Press accused Spain of blowing up the battleship, it was concluded on March 28, 1898 that an exposion in the coal bunker had caused the destruction. The Spanish-American War began after this event. The war gained many territories. -
Spanish-American War
War fever broke out after newspapers, speeches, and songs implored citizens to "Remeber the Maine!" McKinley was granted authority to use force against Spain to end the fighting in Cuba. Americans responded enthusiastically to the war. With winning fights in the Philippines, Cuba, and Florida, the Americans were clearly the victors of the Spanish-American War. The victories allowed the United States to gain Spain's former possessions. -
Fighting in the Philippines
Commodore George Dewey led his squadron of vessels into Manila Bay in the Spanish-held Philippines. The Spanish fleet stationed in the bay did not expect the Americans. Spanish ships were destroyed by the American vessels proclaming a victory for Americans in the Spanish-American War. The victory helped raise the hopes and confidence of the navy. -
Annexation of Hawaii
President Benjamin Harrison signed the treaty to annex Hawaii, but it wasn't until Grover Cleveland became president that the Senate approved the annexation. Cleveland ordered an investigation and realized that the majority of the Hawaiian people did not approve of the treaty. Cleveland refused to sign the treaty, but Hawaii was annexed after William McKinley entered the White House. Hawaii added more territory to the United States, more expansion, and Hawaiian sugar. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Spanish-American War. In the treaty, Spain gave up control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific island of Guam. The Philippines were sold to the United States for twenty million. Americans were deciding if the Philippines should be independent or taken control of. -
John Hay Issues the First of a Series of Notes to Foreign Diplomats
The US Secretary of State John Hay sends the first of a series of notes to foreign diplomats notifying the leaders of imperialist nations that the United States expected "perfect equality of treatment for commerce" in China. America wanted trade to be equal rather than to compete for Chinese trade. -
"Big Stick" Diplomacy
Roosevelt's diplomacy, named the "Big Stick" Diplomacy, was used to uplift weaker nations and make the policy for US action in Latin America broader. The nickname that the diplomacy had was given since it depended on a strong military to achieve America's goals. Overall, the diplomacy strengthened foreign relations, even though it usually took advantage of smaller and weaker nations. -
Panama Canal 1903-1914
With the help of the United States Navy, Panama was able to declare independence from Colombia. Because of this, Panama granted America control of the "Canal Zone." In order to have the canal as a trade route, the United States paid $10 million for it and an additional $250,000 each year for rent. Many workers helped build the canal and the waterway was finished and opened in 1914. The canal allowed trade and cut some 8,000 nautical miles off the trip from the west coast to the east coast. -
Roosevelt Settles the Russo-Japanese War
Representatives from Russia and Japan met in New Hampshire to agree to an end in the Russo-Japanese War. President Theodore Roosevelt intervened and convinced the two countries to sign a peace treaty. Because of this, Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize. The famous award displayed America's growing role in world affairs. -
Great White Fleet
Roosevelt created a new force of navy ships known as the Great White Fleet. In 1907, the Great White Fleet, made up of 16 white battleships on a "good will cruise" around the world. The voyage of the fleet demonstrated America's increased military power to the world. -
Dollar Diplomacy
Wanting to maintain the Open Door Policy in Asia as well as ensure the stability in Latin America, William Howard Taft pursued both goals with the aim of expanding American trade. The Dollar Diplomacy aimed to increase American investments in businesses and banks througout Central America and the Caribbean. Taft made the diplomacy to be able to rely less on the "Big Stick Diplomacy." -
Moral Diplomacy
Woodrow Wilson came up with the new Moral Diplomacy which aimed to work to promote human rights, national integrity, and opportunity. Wilson wanted to befriend Latin America and guide them. Under moral diplomacy, Wilson made the government of Haiti sign and agreement that basically gave the United States the right to control its financial and foreign affairs which in turn strengthened the US.
