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Revolutionary War
The "shot heard round the world" sounded in Lexington on April 19, 1775, marking the start of the war. Eight long years later, on September 3, 1783, Great Britain and the colonies signed the Treaty of Paris, bringing an end to the war. -
Declaration of Independence
Dec. of Ind. TranscriptOn July 4, 1776, now celebrated as "Independence Day," the Continental Congress officially adopted the document known as the Declaration of Independence, which declared the colonies to be their own seperate entity from Great Britain, justified by a list of grievances to the King. Although the signing was not technically completed until August 2nd later that summer, and the war would continue for another 5 long years, the Continental Congress had made their intentions clear to the entire world. -
Signing of Treaty of Alliance
The Treaty of Alliance, signed on Feb. 6, 1778, was an agreement between the colonies and France, negotiated by Benjamin Franklin. France agreed to assist the colonies with the war effort, as well as to recognize them as independent. -
Signing of the Treaty of Paris
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the colonies. Arguably more important than ending the war, Great Britain also acknowledged the colonies to be independent and handed over the Ohio River Valley and land West of the Mississippi River. -
Signing of Jay's Treaty
John Jay neogitated with England; England accepted US neutrality in the Napoleonic Wars, stopped seizing US ships, and stopped pressuring for an alliance. Although it did get signed in Congress (barely), the public was very unhappy with the treaty. -
Signing of Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckney's Treaty
Defined the border between the United States and the Spanish as North of Florida and West of the Miss. River; the US was given free passage along the Mississippi River and the "right to deposit" in New Orleans, meaning merchants could sell goods/pay to have them shipped from the harbor in New Orleans. -
Washington's Farewell Address
Wash. Farewell TranscriptOn Sep. 19, 1796, President George Washington gave his famous speech known as the "Farewell Address," significant for two reasons (besides the fact that he announced retirement from office.) One, Washington warned the nation against the danger of the "inevitable" formation of political parties. Secondly, Washington told the nation not to become involved in other nations' conflicts, as it would only hurt the U.S. This idea drove U.S. isolationism for the next century. -
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XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. French leaders were angry that the United States signed the Jay Treaty with Great Britain in 1794. Consequently, in 1796 French leaders decided to issue an order allowing for the seizure of American merchant ships. U.S. and French negotiators restored peace with the Convention of 1800. -
Louisiana Purchase
U.S. concludes negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase. The government pays $15 million to French diplomat Talleyrand, which allows them to double the size of the United States at only 3 cents an acre.
**The power to make this decision was not technically outlined in the Constitution; however, Jefferson once again bent his principles in order to achieve what he wanted as President. -
Embargo Act
United States Congress passes the Embargo Act, putting a complete ban on all imports and exports out of the United States. This infuriated merchants and devastated the economy; however, because there was no way to receive goods from Europe, many parts of the colonies turned to manufacturing and self-production which ended up boosting the economy of the United States. However, the downfall of the merchants forced Jefferson to repleal the act on March 1, 1809. -
Non-Intercourse Act
On the second-to-last day of his term, President Jefferson lifted the embargo on trade with all nations except France and Great Britain. -
Macon’s Bill No. 2
Macon's Bill Number 2, which became law in the United States on May 14, 1810, was intended to motivate Britain and France to stop seizing American vessels during the Napoleonic Wars. The law lifted all embargoes with Britain and France for three months. If either one of the two countries ceased attacks upon American shipping, the United States would end trade with the other. Congress passed Macon’s Bill Number 2 after the Non-Intercourse Act expired. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a 32-month military conflict between the United States and the British Empire. The United States declared war because of trade restrictions imposed by England, the impressment of American merchant sailors into the British Royal Navy, British support of American Indian tribes against American expansion, outrage over insults to national honor after humiliations on the high seas, and possible American desire to annex Canada. -
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War of 1812
After years of build up, the war of 1812 occurred in June of 1812 between the USA and Great Britain. Sometimes called the Second American Revolution, it reaffirmed America’s independence and sovereignty while also showing off it’s frontier desires. The British navy began to blockade the American coast, while President Madison set his eyes on Canada. After 3 failed invasions of the colony and several battle draws, the treaty of Ghent was ratified in 1815. -
Treaty of Ghent
Signed in Ghent, Belgium, it technically end the war of 1812. however, the news took a while to reach North America, leading to the Battle of New Orleans (which worked out for the Americans). The treaty returned all territory to its’ original owners. No land was lost or gained. A committee to fix to Western canada/USA border was also set up. Nothing about sailor impressment was mentioned, but the end of the Napoleon and his wars ended the issue anyway. -
Adams-Onis Treaty
Florida under Spanish control was a sanctuary for pirates, fugitive slaves, and Native Americans to organize raids on settlements in Georgia. In December 1817, General Andrew Jackson’s army attacked the Seminoles and overthrew the Spanish governor. Because American annexation was inevitable, Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819. In return, the United States agreed to pay $5 million. Spain relinquished its claims to Oregon, and the U.S. renounced its claims to Texas. -
Monroe Doctrine
Monroe's message to Congress, mostly written by John Quincey Adams, detailed the future of American foreign policy. After last years success in Andrew Jackson’s invasion of Florida, America seeked to further weaken Spain’s position is the Americas.The Monroe Doctrine, stated that the US would protect all independent nations in the western hemisphere form colonial powers, while promising no harm to already existing colonies. The UK enforced it in order to payback Spian for colonial trade tariffs. -
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Manifest Destiny
Manifest destiny was the ideology that Americans were destined to extend their nation across the continent. In 1890, the Census Bureau announced the end of the frontier, meaning there was no longer a frontier line in the west. -
The Annexation of Texas
Following Texas' successful war of independence against Mexico in 1836, President John Tyler started negotiations with the Republic of Texas. With the support of President-elect Polk, Texas was admitted into the U.S. on December 26, 1845. The annexation caused Mexico to sever diplomatic relations with U.S. -
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The Mexican War
With the rise of Manifest Destiny, America turned it’s eyes to Texas. After a border dispute in which Mexican soldiers allegedly fired on Texan troops, President Polk joined with Texas and declared war with Mexico. With the army being led by Generals Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor, the USA easily beat the weak Mexican forces after several battles. Texas was free and America earned it’s southwest states. -
Oregon Border
Disputes began with Great Britain again regarding the border between Canada and America’s Oregon Country. President Polk embraced Manifest destiny and claimed America owned all of the Western coast . The British refused to acknowledge these claims. Polk stated that he was willing to go to war over it. Eventually diplomacy won and the border was set at the 49th parallel. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
The treaty ended the Mexican American War. It forced Mexico to give up all claims on Texas. It granted America all of Mexico's northern territories, such as California, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Nevada. The US gave Mexico %15 million to pay for the land and war damages -
Russo-American Treaty of 1824
The Treaty fixed the southernmost limits of Russian occupation of North America at 54° 40'. In 1825 Russia and Great Britain concluded a similar treaty. These treaties eliminated the Russian claims to the Pacific Northwest south of Alaska. -
The Gadsden Purchase
The Gadsden Purchase, or Treaty, was an agreement between the United States and Mexico in which the United States agreed to pay Mexico $10 million for a 29,670 square mile portion of Mexico that later became part of Arizona and New Mexico. -
Ostend Manifesto
Ostend Manifesto is communication from three U.S. diplomats to Secretary of State William Marcy, supporting U.S. seizure of Cuba from Spain. The incident marked the high point of the U.S. expansionist motives in the Caribbean in the 1850s. -
Purchase of Alaska
The U.S. nearly doubled its holdings with the purchase of the territory of Alaska from the Russians. The purchase of Alaska ended Russia’s presence in North America, and was a significant step for the United States to become a great power in the Asia-Pacific region. -
Chinese Exclusion Act
After persistent complaining from citizens of the United States, the government passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in May of 1882. The act prevented Chinese immigrants from entering the country and gave domestic-born Americans a better chance to be employed in industrial jobs. -
Teller Amendment
The Teller Amendment, passed after the Declaration of War on Spain, proclaimed that the United States, upon defeating the Spanish, would not colonize/retain control over Cuba. Although the U.S. assisted with the integration of a new government, it held true to its word, and the United States left Cuba in 1902. -
Anti-Imperialism League
Formed in June of 1898, the Anti-Imperialist League was an American organization designed to fight the foreign policy of Imperialism, specifically the annexation of the Philippines. Some notable members were Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, and Samuel Gompers. After the singing of the Treaty of Paris (1898), the League quickly disappeared. -
Annexation of Hawaii
America’s annexation of Hawaii in 1898 extended U.S. territory into the Pacific. At McKinley’s request, Congress made Hawaii a U.S. territory on August 12, 1898. Hawaii was an important harbor for American whaling ships, a strategic location for defense in the Pacific region, and a fertile source of sugar cane production. Dole became its first governor. Hawaii’s became a state in 1959. -
Treaty of Paris (1898)
In yet another Treaty of Paris, this one written on October 1, 1898, the United States made peace with another European power, Spain, after the Spanish-American War, which lasted less than a year. Although not necessarily an explicit proclamation of U.S. foreign policy, it established the policy of expansionism and imperialism, for the treaty showed that the United States was not afraid to use aggressive military force to achieve its goals. -
Open Door Policy
Created in the years of 1899-1900 by Secretary of State John Hay, the Open Door Policy proclaimed equality of trade in and out of China. Essentially, this was a remark aimed at the European powers, who had used their economic influence to gain commercial and political control of various parts of China. Hay, in publishing it, hoped they would allow China to have its country back, while opening China's markets abd trade routes with the United States. -
Venezuela Boundary Dispute
Venezuela disputed the alleged British encroachment on Venezuelan territory. The crisis ultimately resulted in Britain to accept the United States' intervention in the dispute to force arbitration. The incident marked the United States as a world power, indicating that the U.S. could exercise its claimed rights under the Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere. -
Philippine Government Act
The Act permitted the formation of a lower legislative branch with elected Filipino representatives as legislators. The Act also emphasized the American government’s willingness to call for a general election in the islands when insurrection stops and peace is maintained. The policy permitted a significant degree of self-government, presented social reforms, and implemented plans for economic development. The program aided the United States’ effort to stabilize relations in the Philippines. -
The Platt Amendment
The Platt Amendment was insert into the Cuban Constitution. It aimed to protect Cuba's independence from foreign intervention. It permitted America's involvement in Cuban international and domestic affairs. The Platt Amendment’s conditions banned the Cuban Government from entering into any international agreements. It was repealed on May 29, 1934. -
Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty
Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Panama granting special canal rights to the United States across the Isthmus of Panama. In return, The United States provided Panama with financial compensation and protection. The Panama Canal was completed in 1914. -
Roosevelt Corollary
Known as the "Big Stick Policy," or the "Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine," Theodore Roosevelt's policy of using full military force to defend the Western Hemisphere set a precedent for the United States acting as an "international policeman." Essentially, Roosevelt significantly expanded the Monroe Doctrine to the point that it is considered to be a completely different policy from that of James Monroe. -
The Treaty of Portsmouth
Signed at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Treaty of Portsmouth formally ended the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05. The Treaty marked the start of a new era of multi-track diplomatic negotiations in which the Russian and Japanese delegations also held informal meetings and recreational events to foster interpersonal relations between them. Theodore Roosevelt won the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize for facilitating the peace. -
Gentleman's Agreement of 1907
An unofficial agreement between Roosevelt and Japan, the "Gentleman's Agreement" established two ideas: Roosevelt would allow Japanese children to assimilate into white schools in California, and, in exchange, Japan would severely limit its immmigration to the U.S. Also, it allowed the U.S. government to turn away laborers that came to the U.S. without the consent of the Japanese government. -
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Great White Fleet "Goodwill" Naval Tour
Known as the "Great White Fleet," the United States' Atlantic Naval Fleet consisted of 16 battleships painted stark white that traveled around the world. Although it was sent off on an international "goodwill" tour by President Theodore Roosevelt, the expedition was actually intended to intimidate the Japanese by showing them the sheer size and caliber of the United States' Naval Force. -
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Dollar Diplomacy
Dollar Diplomacy, created by President William Howard Taft and Sec. of State Cox, was a policy that lasted from 1909 until 1912. It was a policy of promoting a region's finance in order to protect U.S. trade and commerce. This was primarily used in Nicaragua during Taft's Presidency. -
U.S. Troops occupy Nicaragua
U.S. Marines take control of Nicaragua to control civil unrest. -
U.S. Troops occupy Veracruz, Mexico
President Wilson refused to recognize General Huerta's regime in Mexico.U.S. Marines captured Veracruz and removed Huerta from power.U.S troops restored the order to safeguard U.S. investments and citizens in Mexico. -
Declaration of Neutrality
President Wilson announced the impartiality of the U.S. in WWI. The United States stayed away from the war, but U.S. banks and industries supported the Allies by providing loans, munitions, farm products and other products. WWI was good for the American economy, and getting even more involved was tempting. -
Lusitania sunk by Germans
Lusitania, an ocean liner, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat, causing the deaths of 1,198 passengers. The lose of the Lusitania provoked great outrage in the United States and helped create the climate of public opinion that would later allow America to join the war. -
U.S. troops occupy Haiti and Dominican Republic
U.S. Marines take control of the island to protect U.S. economic and military interests in the region. -
Sussex pledge
When Germans torpedoed the Sussex, a French cross-channel passenger ferry, President Woodrow Wilson declared that if Germany were to continue this practice, the United States would break diplomatic relations with Germany. To appease the United States, Germany issued the Sussex pledge, promising that passenger ships would not be targeted. -
Zimmermann Telegram
In January of 1917, British cryptographers deciphered a message from the German government to the Mexicans. Inside the telegram contained an offer: in exchange for a declaration of war on the United States, Germany would back Mexico and see that it took United States territory for itself. The United States found out and the Mexicans ignored the offer. Zimmermann Telegram fueled public outrage and contributed to the declaration of war later that year. -
Declaration of War on Germany
On April 2, President Wilson proposed war to Congress. On the 4th the Senate approved, and just two days later, on April 6, 1917, the House agreed, and war was declared on Germany, thus beginning the United States' involvement in WWI. -
Wilson’s Fourteen Point Plan
President Woodrow Wilson outlines post-WWI policy in his Fourteen Points Plan. -
Treaty of Versailles
World War I ended with the Treaty of Versailles. -
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Washington Naval Conference
The world’s largest naval powers gathered in Washington for a conference to discuss naval disarmament and ways to relieve growing tensions in East Asia. -
The Dawes Plan
It was a plan to to collect war reparations debt from Germany. The Dawes Plan provided short-term economic benefits to the German economy and softened the burdens of war reparations. -
Kellogg Briand Treaty
The United States and fourteen other nations signed the pact at Paris, promising not to use war to resolve conflicts among them. The world powers wanted to avoid a conlfict with the devastating effects of WWI from happening again. -
Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act
The Tariff, passed during Hoover’s presidency, raised the tariffs on thousands of goods to an all-time high. The tariff made the depression in Europe worse, since the European countries devastated by WWI and swamped by loans. The decline in international trade led to a worse depression in the US. Many American banks had given loans to the warring countries. However, they were not paid back, so the banks tanked. Millions of Americans lost their money and savings. The tariff was very detrimental. -
The Stimson Doctrine
Named after the US Secretary of State, Henry L. Stimson, under the Hoover Administration, the Doctrine stated that the US would not recognize any international changes in ownership of territories taken by force. The Doctrine started in 1932 was in response to Japan’s expansionism in China. -
"Good Neighbor" Policy
Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the policy that stated that nations could not interfere in the affairs of other countries. The policy was outlined because tensions between Latin America and the US ran high and FDR wanted to improve relations with South America. As a result of the policy, the US removed troops from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Also, Cuba gained full independence from the US, since the policy. terminated the Platt Amendment. -
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Neutrality Acts (1935, 1936, 1937)
The series of Neutrality Act were designed to prevent America from being involved in another World War and follow a policy of isolationism. America did not want the same effects to occur as in WWI. The measures banned the sale of weapons, supplies, and loans to warring nations and did not permit Americans to travel on the vessels of nations at war. It showed America's anit-war sentiment. -
Cash and Carry (Neutrality Act of 1939)
As the war worsened for the Allied Powers, the US decided to amend the Neutrality Acts to be able to help the Allied Powers more. Cash and Carry allowed belligerent nations to purchase weapons and supplies from the US. However, the nations must carry the cargo on their own ships. The remodeled version of the Neutrality Acts fit the public mood: prevent the Nazis from winning, but safely stay out of the war. -
"Lend Lease”
Approved by Congress on March 1941, the program allowed America to lend or lease war material to any nation (the Allies) crucial to the security of America. The plan essentially gave much needed supplies and weapons to the desperate Allied Powers. America greatly aided the Allied powers while fairly maintaining an isolationism policy. -
Atlantic Charter
The Atlantic Charter was a statement issued by FDR and Churchill in August 1941. It condemned aggression, affirmed national self-determination, and recognized the principles of collective security, free trade, and disarmament. The statement mainly set goals for the world after the war. It was very influential in international agreements. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor through the use of kamikaze pilots on December 7, 1941. The attack on Pearl Harbor and various other islands in the Pacific greatly crippled America’s Pacific Navy fleet but it lead Congress to declare war on Japan. -
Declaration of War on Japan
Because of the attack on the Pacific Navy fleet in Pearl Harbor and various other Pacific islands (Refer to Pearl Harbor Attack), Congress declared war on Japan the day after the attack, December 8, 1941. America began to militarize and train troops. -
Declaration of War on Germany
Once Germany and Italy declared war America three days after America declared war on Japan, America was forced to declare war on the Axis Powers and prepare for war. The US was relatively unprepared for the war and the territory the Axis Powers overwhelmed America. However, the US officially entered WWII. -
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Casablanca Conference
Roosevelt and Churchill agreed to the wartime policy of unconditional surrender. The Allied Powers would fight until the Axis Powers unconditionally surrender themselves. -
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Tehran Conference
The Big Three of the Allied Powers, FDR, Churchill, and Stalin, meet in Tehran, Iran to make plans for opening the true second front in Europe that Stalin had longed for: an invasion of France. D-Day, the day for the invasion of France through the beaches of Normandy was decided during the meeting. -
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Dumbarton Oaks Conference
At the conference, the formation of the United Nations was planned. The United Nations was going to be a better version of the League of Nations and would include the US. -
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Yalta Conference
In what are known as the Yalta Accords, the US and Churchill agreed to the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence over Eastern Europe, especially Poland, territory in Manchuria and territory lost in the Russo-Japanese War. In return, the Soviet Union would enter the war against Japan two to three months after Germany surrenders. Also, the reparations Germany would pay were planned. -
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Potsdam Conference
Truman, who took over as President of the United States, warned Japan to immediate and unconditional surrender or Japan would face total destruction. The warning hinted at the designing and testing of the atomic bomb. -
Hiroshima
The first atomic bomb, developed in the Manhattan Project and made of uranium, was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This was the first time an atomic weapon had been used in the public eye, and from that day forward, the United States was regarded as not only powerful, but extremely dangerous. -
Nagasaki
The second atomic bomb, developed in the Manhattan Project and made of plutonium, was dropped on the Japanese industrial cities of Nagasaki. The bomb leveled the city just as it had in Hiroshima, instantly incinerating thousands of people and killing thousands through radiation poisoning. A nuclear weapon has not been launched/dropped/detonated in the world since. -
Kennan and Containment
U.S. foreign policy focused on containment of Russian expansive tendencies. The policy successfully blocked the expansion of Soviet influence. -
The Truman Doctrine
The US would provide political, military and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from Soviet Union. President Truman requested Congress to provide aid to both the Greek and Turkish Governments to stop expansion of Soviet totalitarianism into these countries. The Truman Doctrine allowed the United States to get directly involved in far away conflicts. -
X Article (Containment)
The July 1947 issue of the "Foreign Affairs" magazine contained an article, referred to as the "X Article," written by George Kennan. The article was Kennan's policy released to the public; it contained a roadmap for future relations with the USSR, famously the policy of "containment." When the article was written, the State Department had more of a neutral stance towards Russia; as this changed, however, Kennan's ideas became adopted as State policy. -
National Security Act
The Act reststructured United States government's military and intelligence agencies following World War II. The act established the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that served as the primary civilian intelligence-gathering organization in the government. Also, the War Department, Navy Department and Department of the Air Force merged into a single Department of Defense. -
Marshall Plan
It was a comprehensive financial program to rebuild Europe. The Marshall Plan provided capital for the economic revival of Western Europe. It also helped established markets for American goods in Europe. -
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Berlin Airlift
When Soviet Union blocked all surface traffic to Berlin to practically control the region, US airplanes supplied food and other necessities to Berlin until Soviets ended the blockade. -
Unites States Joins NATO
Joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ended America's long tradition of staying away from peacetime military alliances outside of the Western Hemisphere.An attack on a NATO member is considered an attack on all members. -
Declaration of War on North Korea
When North Korea attempted to invade South Korea, U.S and Nato-led forces pushed North Korea army back to 38th parallel.The war lasted from 1950 to 1953.It was America's first experiment with "limited war" concept of the Cold War. -
United States-Japanese Security Treaty
United States obtained the rights to station troops in Japan. The Japanese islands became an important region for implementing America's global containment structure. Japan has become a vital ally for the U.S. during cold war. -
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952
The act maintained the national origins quota system. It introduced an immigration system based on skill sets and family reunification. It also allowed Asians to migrate to the United States. The law eliminated obstacles preventing Asians from becoming naturalized American citizens. -
Dulles and Massive Retaliation
At a Council of Foreign Relations dinner, held in his honor, John Foster Dulles gave a famous Cold War-era speech in which he discussed deterring the USSR through a policy of "massive retaliation," in which any attack by Russia would result in a full nuclear attack by the US. This solved two problems that Dulles had been working for: holding back Russia, while not having to keep a standing army. -
Domino Theory
Coined by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the theory is premised upon the notion that if Vietnam fell to the communism, then other nations would fall to the communism one by one. The theory existed from the 1950s to the 1980s. -
U.S. helps establish Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)
United States negotiated mutual-defense pacts to form SEATO to prevent communist expansion in Southeast Asia.The international organization includes countries like USA, New Zealand, Phillippines, Australia, and Thailand. -
The Eisenhower Doctrine
Under the Eisenhower Doctrine, a country could request aid from U.S. military forces if it was being threatened by armed aggression from another state. This doctrine mainly designed to curb the Soviet threats by authorizing the use of U.S. forces to secure and protect the territorial integrity and political independence of non-communist nations. -
U2 incident
Soviet air defenses shot down a US spy plane inside their country. After the incident, Soviet-American relations plunged to a new Cold War low. Soviets condemned U.S. spy activities and refused to come to the Paris summit meeting. -
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The Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis
President John F. Kennedy authorized a clandestine invasion of Cuba, but the operation quickly failed. The US maintained a naval blockade of the island. The crisis ended when Soviets agreed to withdraw their nuclear arms from Cuba, and the United States to promise never to invade Cuba. The US also agreed to dismantle their nuclear warheads located in Turkey and Italy. -
Ngo Dinh Diem Killed
Organized under President John F. Kennedy, the coup to remove Ngo Dinh Diem from power, intended to be quick, painless, and pleasing to the South Vietnamese people, resulted in the accidental death of Ngo Dinh Diem. Instead of stabilizing the nation by quenching protests, the death of Diem instead plunged the country into further chaos. -
Gulf of Tonkin Incident
In early August of 1964, the United States Navy off the coast of Vietnam was attacked by ships identified as Communist North Vietnamese. Although the ships were on an ocean-patrolling, intelligence-gathering mission against North Vietnam, President Johnson marked the attack as "unprovoked," launching the US into the Vietnam War. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
On August 7, 1964, in response to the allegedly "unprovoked" attack on US Naval ships off the coast of Vietnam, Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, permitting LBJ to use “all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.” As it gave the President unprecedented military control, the United States people, and the government, would soon regret their decision. -
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U.S. Involvement in the Vietnam War
To stop the expansion of the communist North Vietnam into South Vietnam, U.S. policy makers had no choice but fight the war. When North Vietnamese and communist Viet Cong forces attacked against a number of targets in South Vietnam, American involvement in the war peaked. The war ended in 1975 when the North Vietnamese army captured Saigon. -
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Detente
Era of the easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The trade and cooperation increased between the USA and the Soviet Union. Relations cooled when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. -
My Lai
Although not a foreign policy action taken by the government, the slaughter in My Lai of 1968 shocked the world. Lt. Calley of the US Army ordered his men to clear out a village, which he claimed to be full of Vietcong. Over 300 innocent civilians were killed in an hour, their entire village burned to the ground. News of the massacre reached the press, and the photos were leaked, causing national and global shock at the brutality of the war. -
Vietnamization
In a speech on Nov. 3 of '69, President Richard Nixon introduced a policy of Vietnamization, in which the United States would attempt to transfer all military responsibility in the war effort over to South Vietnam. -
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Strategic Arms Limitation Talks ( SALT I )
The United States and the Soviet Union had a series of discussions on nuclear arms limitations that resulted in an agreement to set limits on antiballistic missile systems, intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SALT I agreement also paved the way to a second round of talks on arms limitations. -
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The Second Round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II)
The negotiations led to a treaty on nuclear arms control and set broad limits on strategic offensive weapons systems. The SALT II agreement was signed by President Carter and General Secretary Brezhnev in Vienna on June 18, 1979. -
Paris Peace Accords
In Jan. of 1973, Henry Kissinger, representing the US, and Le Duc Tho, representing North Vietnam, signed the Paris Peace Accords, bringing an end to the Vietnam War. The United States withdrew all troops, and the North Vietnamese returned all American POWs. Despite public discontent and Nixon's hatred of it, the North was permitted to keep all cities presently under their control. -
War Powers Act
Despite a veto from President Richard Nixon, in November of 1973, almost a year after the Paris Peace Accords were signed, the United States Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, still in effect today. The War Powers Resolution, commonly referred to as the War Powers Act, mandates that the President, after taking military action, consults and receives the approval of Congress within 48 hours. The act was a direct result of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and an unnecessary war. -
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•Kissinger and Shuttle Diplomacy
After the Yom Kippur War, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is sent by the United States to start shuttle diplomacy to achieve a ceasefire between Israel, Egypt and Syria. . During Shuttle Diplomacy, a third party serves as a mediator between the two parties, "shuttling" back and forth, between the belligerents. First Disengagement Agreement between Egypt and Israel is signed on Jan. 18, 1974. Second Disengagement Agreement between Egypt and Israel is signed on Sept. 1, 1975. -
Helsinki Final Act
The Helsinki Final Act led to greater cooperation between Eastern and Western Europe because it reduced tension between the Soviet and Western blocs by securing the acceptance of the post-World War II status quo in Europe. It dealt with political, military, economic and human rights issues. -
Panama Canal Treaty
Signed by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos, The treaty promised to end U.S. control of the canal beginning in 2000. Panama was to take over operation and defense of the canal. The treaty also gave the U.S. permanent authority to defend the canal if neutral water passage is at risk. -
Camp David Accords
Treaty between Egypt and Israel brokered by President Jimmy Carter and signed in early 1979. Israel agreed to give back Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. In return, Egypt agreed to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a nation. -
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Iran hostage crisis
Iranian students and militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran and held approximately seventy Americans hostage for 444 days.The students demanded the extradition of the Shah from the United States. Ayatollah Khomeini issues a statement of support for the students' actions. After months of negotiations, the Iranian government released the hostages. -
Summer Olympics boycott
The United States led a boycott of the Summer Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. 65 nations refused to participate in the games. Some athletes competed under the Olympic Flag, instead of their national flags. -
CIA organizes contra war against Nicaraguan government
President Reagan authorized CIA to clendestinely organize anti-Sandinista contras to overthrow Nicaragua's leftist Sandinista regime.The strategy was to attack the country's economy until the country plunges into chaos. The strategy was ultimately successful in the Nicaraguan elections in 1990 when Nicaraguan people elected the CIA collaborator, Violeta Chamorro. -
Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)
President Ronald Reagan proposed to use ground-based and space-based systems to protect the United States from attack by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles. -
The Invasion of Grenada
The United States invaded Grenada island to overthrow the communist government. -
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Reagan Doctrine
The U.S. policy of supporting anti-Communist insurgents wherever they might be. While containment doctrine adopted by previous administrations is a defensive theory, The Reagan Doctrine goes over to the offensive. -
Gulf War
United States and coalition forces from 34 nations waged war against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war ended on February 28, 1991.The war ended with a decisive victory for the Coalition forces, who liberated Kuwait and advanced into Iraqi territory. -
U.S. Troops in Somalia
President Bush sent U.S. troops to Somalia in response to the worsening famine in the country. Instead of getting gratitude for its help, the U.S. soldiers received increasing hostility. Amidst disorder and anarchy, forty-two Americans died and dozens more were wounded before the United States and the United Nations withdrew in March 1995. -
The Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords were signed by Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in Washington, DC.The Palestinians made a significant advance toward self-government with the creation of the Palestinian National Authority.PLO's status was legitimized internationally. -
NAFTA ( North American Free Trade Agreement )
Agreement was signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States to create a trilateral rules-based trade bloc in North America. The purpose of NAFTA is to eliminate trade barriers, increase investment opportunities and establish procedures for resolving trade disputes. -
United States joins World Trade Organization (WTO)
WTO is a forum for governments to negotiate trade agreements.The WTO agreements include individual countries’ commitments to lower customs tariffs and other trade barriers, and to open and keep open services markets. -
Attack on World Trade Center and Pentagon
This is the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. It was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. 19 men hijacked four fuel-loaded commercial airlines to attack World Trade center and Pentagon. A total of 2,977 people are killed in New York City, Washington, DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacked changed the focus and foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration. -
Inauguration of Barack Obama
Obama Inaug. Speech TranscriptOn Sunday, January 20, 2009, Democrat Barack Obama was sworn into office as the first-ever African-American President of the United States. With Joe Biden as his newly elected Vice-President, Obama had defeated Republican John McCain and his running-mate Sarah Palin in the 2008 election.
