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Annexation of Alaska/Sewards folly
Fearing a war with the United Kingdom, Russia hastily sold Alaska to the United States. Many people thought that this was a foolish decision and others thought that the purchase weakened both Russia and the UK. -
Alfred Thayer Mahan
His novel, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, argued that control of the sea was the key to world dominance. This then stimulated the naval race among the great world powers. -
USS Maine is sunk
Although the cause of the explosion is unknown, most blamed Spain and use this event as an excuse to engage in war with Spain. -
Spain announces an armistice with Cuba
Spain agrees to an armistice, which will halt the fighting with Cuba. However, Spain only agrees to allow Cuba to have limited self-government. -
Congress declares war on Spain
Even though McKinley hoped to avoid war, he asks Congress to declare war on Spain. McKinley is pressured by American newspapers that call him a weak president for not standing up to Spain. -
The Spanish Pacific fleet is destroyed in the Battle of Manila Bay
In the first battle of the war, the U.S. destroys Spain's fleet of ships in the Battle of Manila Bay. Four hundred Spanish sailors are killed, while only six Americans are wounded. -
The Spanish fleet in the Caribbean is destroyed
During the battle of Santiago the Spanish fleet in the Caribbean is destroyed. -
Spain and the U.S. sign a cease-fire agreement
After a relatively easy fight with Spain, the U.S. and Spain agree to stop fighting and sign a cease-fire agreement. The war unofficially comes to an end. -
The U.S. and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris.
The Spanish-American War officially ends when the U.S. and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris. The U.S. takes possession of Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico for $20 million. -
Annexation of Hawaii
Spurred by the nationalism aroused by the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 at the urging of President William McKinley. -
Philippines declare war on US
The Malolos Congress of the First Philippine Republic enacted and ratified a Declaration of War on the United States, which was publicly proclaimed on that same day by Pedro Paterno, President of the Assembly. -
Hawaii becomes a territory
The Territory of Hawaii was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 12, 1898, until August 21, 1959. -
Boxer Rebellion
A group of secret Chinese nationalists attacked foreign settlements and murdered dozens of christian missionaries. -
Open door policy
The U.S. protects China's borders but forces China to trade equally with all nations and powers. -
Theodore Roosevelt becomes president
After Mckinley is shot after a month in office, Roosevelt becomes president. -
Roosevelt unveils his foreign policy
Roosevelt makes it very clear that his view on foreign policy is to speak softly and carry a big stick. This is now referred to as the Big Stick Diplomacy. -
U.S. withdraws from Cuba
The Treaty of Paris calls for Cuba to be independent from the U.S and the U.S. helped free the country from Spain. American troops withdraw from Cuba, although Cuba will experience years of turbulent leadership in the decades to come. -
US pardon Philippines
U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims a full and complete pardon and amnesty to all people in the Philippine government who had participated in the conflict. -
Rebellion on the Panama Canal
Roosevelt convinced the natives of Panama to revolt from their government and started building the canal. -
Russo-Japanese War
Disagreement between Japan and Russia. Ended with the Treaty of Portsmouth. -
Dollar Diplomacy
William Taft depended on the U.S.'s money in regards to foreign policy. -
Panama Canal
The Panama canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. -
Tampico Incident
Began as a minor incident involving U.S. sailors and Mexican land forces loyal to the Mexican dictator General Victoriano Huerta. A misunderstanding developed into a breakdown of diplomatic relations between the two countries. -
Pancho Villa flees into Mexico
After murdering a few people in New mexico, Villa flees into Mexico to escape capture. The US follows him, but the president of Mexico protests their presence. -
Start of World War 1
Archduke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated in Sarajevo. -
Lusitania sinks
German submarine sinks the passenger liner Lusitania during crossing from New York to Liverpool, England, killing 128 Americans. -
Unrestricted Submarine warfare
Germany returns to unrestricted submarine warfare halted after the sinking of the Lusitania. -
The United States declares war on Germany.
After holding off war for a few years to reduce conflict, the U.S. finally enters in the Great War. -
Red Scare
A widespread fear of Bolshevism and anarchism, due to real and imagined events. Including the Russian Revolution and anarchist bombings. -
Battle of Cantigny
United States forces are victorious in the Battle of Cantigny, the first independent American operation. -
Official end of World War 1
Germany signs the Armistice at Compiègne, ending World War I. -
Treaty of Versailles
Allied and German representatives sign treaty of Versailles. The United States signs treaty of guaranty, pledging to defend France in case of an unprovoked attack by Germany. -
Hawaii becomes a state
Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the United States.
