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Purchase of Alaska
Russia sold Alaska to the United States as they feared they might lose the land in future conflicts with Britain. This purchase strengthened America's presence in the Northern Pacific. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
Signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur, The Chinese Exclusion Act prohibited immigration of all Chinese laborers. This was the result of domestic pressure from American laborers. The act damaged relations with China. -
Treaty of Paris (Spanish-American war)
Signaled the official end to the Spanish-American war. America had entered the war to protect its own interests in Cuba, and to establish a stable government. The terms of the treaty ended Spain's presence in the western hemisphere. In turn it also established the United States' power in the Pacific. The treaty not only guaranteed Cuba's independence, but also forced Spain to cede Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. Additionally, Spain also agreed to sell the Philippines. -
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Philippine-American War
After defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. Many Filipinos believed that the US would grant the Philippines independence. However, in a difficult decision President Mckinley decided to annex the Philippines. Filipino nationalists, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, opposed the decision and war soon broke out. Nationalists fought for the right to self government whilst the US fought to maintain control.- Emilio Aguinaldo on American Imperialism
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Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
The Roosevelt Corollary was a part of Theodore Roosevelt's 'Big Stick' diplomacy. It justified US intervention in Latin American affairs. It granted the US 'police powers' to protect Latin America from European involvement. An example of this was seen when European nations blockaded Venezuela over debts and the US stepped in and ended the blockade. This showed the world that the US had become more confident and more powerful, and was ready to establish itself as a world leader. -
The Good Neighbor Policy
Introduced by President Franklin Roosevelt, in his inaugural address, the Good Neighbor Policy aimed to improve relations with Central and South American nations. Under the policy the United States would shift towards non-intervention. Focusing on trade and cooperation to maintain stability, rather than intimidation and military involvement. This was a dramatic change compared to how the United States had interacted with the same nations at the beginning of the century. -
Recognition of the Soviet Union
After almost 16 years the United States ended its non-recognition of the Soviet Union and established diplomatic relations. President Franklin D. Roosevelt hoped that building a relationship with the Soviet Union would be beneficial. He hoped that it would limit Japanese expansion in Asia and that it would commercial interests, and help America move out of the depression. Also the United States was the only major yet to officially recognize the Soviet Union. -
Entering World War II
The United States had successfully avoided entering the war for almost two years. However, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor quickly changed this. On the day following the Pearl Harbor attack, in his 'Infamy Speech' President Franklin Roosevelt declared "a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire." Three days later the United States would also declare war on Germany and Italy, and join the Allies in the battle against the Axis powers. FDR - Infamy Speech -
Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act
For more than 60 years the United States had not allowed Chinese workers to enter the country. However, under the pressure of WWII congress decided to repeal the act and establish a immigration quota for China. The United States sort to strengthen its relations with China who was an ally and could help deal with Japan. The repeal of Chinese exclusion set the precedent for immigrants of other Asian countries. -
The Truman Doctrine
President Harry Truman declared that US foreign policy would be to "support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures." Truman sort to contain the spread of communism and the Soviet Union. This signaled the start of the Cold War and the end of the United States' isolationist policies. The United States took a stance and a global responsibility to protect freedom.- The Truman Doctrine
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Camp David Accords
Signed by President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, the Camp David Accords established a framework for a historic peace treaty concluded between Israel and Egypt in March 1979. Prior to this the two nations had long been at war. President Carter was heavily involved in the negotiations, it was for a President to devote so much attention to a single issue. -
Boycott of Moscow Olympics
In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, a move that was heavily criticized by the rest of the world. When the Soviet Union failed to meet a deadline to withdraw its troops, President Carter announced that the United States would boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics that were too be held in Moscow. Carter also added pressure by issuing a trade embargo. Other nations such as Japan and Canada also joined the boycott. In response the Soviet Union boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. -
NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement was signed into effect by President Bill Clinton. It created a free trade zone between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAFTA was designed to stimulate the economy. Clinton stated it would create new jobs by "fostering an export boom to Mexico by tearing down tariff walls." NAFTA also helped the US to improve relations with its two neighboring countries. Bill Clinton - Speech on Signing NAFTA -
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War on Terror
Sparked by the devastating 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced that the United States would launch a war on terrorism. This shaped a new foreign policy, under which "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." Facing an enemy that was not easily defined the US entered into conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although, the term 'war on terror' is no longer used this war still continues today. President Obama tried to remove the US military presence but was unsuccessful.
