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British Arbitration in Guiana
After Venezuela and Guiana got in a border dispute, the US invoked the Monroe Doctrine in order to force Britain into arbitration. This marks one of the most important uses of the Monroe Doctrine, as well as a turning point between the two countries' relationship - they could work together as allies instead of competing as opponents. This would have a much greater significance later on. -
Jingoism and the Cuban Revolt
Jingoism, a form of nationalism demanding intense foreign policy, was on the rise in industrialized America. This was only reinforced by events such as the Cuban Revolt, where the oppressed nationalists tried to rebel against Spain, who turned and repressed it with force. -
De Lôme Letter
A major factor in spurring nationalist sentiment was a letter by Dupuy de Lôme, a Spanish diplomat, which was filled with criticism for President McKinley. Americans objected to this, rallying around their government and calling for more aggressive foreign policy. -
The Sinking of the Maine
The United States battleship Maine exploded suddenly soon after the De Lôme incident. The sensationalist yellow press blamed Spain, and despite the fact that it was likely an accident, the US prepared to go to war. -
Spanish-American War
Citing the Cuban oppression and protection of civil interests and innocents as reasons, the United States declared war on Spain. Half a year and many tropical deaths later, Spain declared surrender and Cuba was left to its own devices. -
Annexation of Hawaii
While Cleveland tried to stave off imperialism, eventually an outbreak of war in the Philippines gave President McKinley what he needed to annex Hawaii. It became a United States territory in 1900. -
Platte Amendment
The Platte Amendment, established in 1901, was the US's response to Spain's surrender. The Amendment states that Cuba was (1) to never sign a treaty with a foreign power that impaired its independence, (2) to permit the United States to intervene in Cuba’s affairs to preserve its independence and maintain law and order, and (3) to allow the U.S. to maintain naval bases in Cuba, including one permanent base at Guantanamo Bay.
