Imperialism

Seward’s Folly

1867

In 1867, Congress agreed to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. This acquired us a new state. It was known as Seward’s Folly because Americans saw no value in Alaska (410) https://www.sunnycove.com/blog/yakseward.com/2014/06/history-spotlight-sewards-folly.html

Spanish-American War

1898

In 1898, the United States went to war with the Spanish. In the ultimate victory for the United States, they acquired Cuba, Guam, and the Phillippenes.(414) https://www.newspapers.com/topics/american-imperialism/spanish-american-war/

Open Door Policy in China

1899

John Hay’s sent a diplomatic note to all nations controlling spheres of influence asking to accept a concept of equal trading privileges with China. This allowed us to trade goods with another country (416).

Annexation of Hawaii

1900

Expansionists coveted the islands for its abundant sugar fields. Hawaii officially became a US territory in 1900 and was the fiftieth state in 1959. (415).

Platt Amendment

1901

This was the official treaty giving Cuba their independence. In exchange of their independence the US received Guantanamo Bay, allowed the US to intervene in Cuba’s affairs to preserve its independence, and prohibited Cuba from signing a treaty with another foreign power (416). http://faculty.polytechnic.org/gfeldmeth/1314111q.html

Construction of the Panama Canal

1904

After gaining independence, with help of the United States, from Colombia, Panama allowed US to construct the Panama Canal. This allowed quicker transport from the Atlantic to the Pacific (418). https://www.latimes.com/world/mexico-americas/la-fg-panama-canal-timeline-20160622-snap-htmlstory.html

Addition of Puerto Rico

1917

The government granted U.S citizenship to all residents and provided for limited self-government. This allowed the United States to have a territory in the Caribbean. (422). http://ontheworldmap.com/puerto-rico/puerto-rico-location-on-the-caribbean-map.html