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Seward's Folly
America buys Alaska from the Russians. -
The Cuban Revolutionary Party
José Martí founds El Partido Revolucionario Cubano (the Cuban Revolutionary Party) in an attempt to gain independence for Cuba. -
Grito de Baire - The Beginning of the Revolution
In the small town of Baire near the city of Santiago de Cuba, Martí issues the Grito de Baire, igniting the Cuban War of Independence. -
William McKinley becomes President
William McKinley defeats William Jennings Bryan to become President of the United States. -
USS Maine Arrives
The USS Maine arrives from Key West at Havana Harbor. -
The De Lôme Letter
The Spansh ambassador to the US is forced to resign after the De Lôme Letter is published in the New York Journal. -
USS Maine Sinks
The USS Maine explodes. About 274 of the ship's roughly 354 crew die. A naval court of inquiry led by Captain William T. Sampson is inconclusive, but the American press and most members of Congress conclude that the Maine struck a naval mine laid by the Spanish. -
McKinley Tariff
President McKinley establishes tariffs on all foreign goods. -
Spain Severs Ties
Spain severs all diplomatic relations with the United States, leading to the US Navy beginning a blockade of Cuba. -
War With Spain Declared
Congress votes to go to war with Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War. -
The Battle of Manila Bay
The US Asiatic Squadron attacks Manila, the capital of the Philippines and a territory of Spain, resulting in an American victory. -
Period: to
Spanish-American War
A multitude of battles between the Spanish and the US. -
Arrival at Santiago de Cuba
he U.S. Navy Flying Squadron, commanded by Commodore Winfield Scott Schley, arrives off Santiago de Cuba alongside the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry — better known as the "Rough Riders" led by Theodore Roosevelt. -
Invasion of Guantánamo Bay
US Marines land at Guantánamo Bay, beginning the invasion of Cuba. -
Teller Amendment
An Amendment is established, formally explaining that the US would not establish permanent control over Cuba. -
The Final Battle
The last battle of the Spanish–American War occurs off Caibarién, Cuba, when the armed supply ship USS Mangrove fires on two Spanish Navy gunboats. The Spanish surrender, and explain that an armistice has been signed. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed in Paris. Spain cedes Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. Spain turns administration of Cuba over to the United States. The United States agrees to pay Spain $20 million in return for American possession of the Philippines. -
Annexation of Hawaii
The US annexes Hawaii. -
Open Door Note
A note given by the US proposing foreign affairs with China. -
Annexation of the Philippines
The US establishes its presence in the Philippines after gaining it from Spain following the war. -
Period: to
The Construction of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is constructed over a period of 10 years. -
Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty
A treaty establishing the Panama Canal Zone, leading to the construction of the Panama Canal. -
The Roosevelt Corollary
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine that stated that the US would be able to intervene in any social affairs as a last resort in the Western Hemisphere