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Washington's Farewell Address
Washington urges the country to "steer clear of permanent alliances" with the rest of the world. This marked the beginning of American isolationism. -
Monroe Doctrine
The US warns European nations to stay out of the affairs in the Western Hemisphere. Many Latin American nations saw this as a selfish attempt to claim the Americas for the US. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1801-1829/monroe -
Open Door Policy in China
The European countries and Japan were looking at China for profits by taking up all of the trade. Secretary of State John Hay announces the US's support of an open door policy, saying that China should trade equally with all nations. http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/empire-building/essays/open-door-policy-and-boxer-war-us-and-china -
Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
The US took a more active role in the affairs in South America and stopped revolutions in many small Latin American countries. This was very resented by Latin America. http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/empire-building/resources/roosevelt-corollary-monroe-doctrine -
League of Nations Formed
After World War I, President Wilson pushed for creation of League of Nations at the Paris Peace talks. When the League was finally formed, Wilson met strong resistance from Congress back home and the US did not join the League. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/league -
United Nations Formed
After World War II, the US helps found and lead the United Nations to help protect the peace and security of the world. This was an example of US involvement in international affairs and the collective security to punish any country that threatens the peace. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/un -
Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech
Churchill gives a speech to say that an iron curtain had descended over Europe. This marks the symbolical start of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. For the next 40 years there would be an indirect arms race between the two "superpowers". -
Fall of Soviet Union
Gorbachev resigned and the Soviet Union collapsed, marking the end of the cold war. -
Free Trade with China
President Clinton's talks with China result in an agreement that opens up free trade between the two countries. -
Conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq
In response to the terrorist attacks, US and NATO allies toppled the Taliban regime and many US troops were kept in Afghanistan.
