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Monroe Doctrine shows US interest in the rest of the Americas
The Monroe Doctrine stated that no European country could take land to colonize in the Americas. This was because the US had a lot of money in the Americas and profited greatly off of this money. The US also wanted the Europeans to not get any ideas. -
China vs Britain Opium War
Britain kept smuggling opium into China, getting a large amount of people addicted to the substance. China demanded that the British stop, but the British refused. The Chinese went on to attack the British in a naval battle but were demolished due to Britain's modernization. The Chinese were forced to give up land and extraterritorial rights to the Europeans to Hong Kong. -
Commodore Perry forcefully enters Japan
Commodore Perry enters Japan with steamships and the Japanese can't stop him. He demands that the Japanese open up their country to America and that they help Commodore Perry with the war or he will come back with more ships. The Japanese are forced to agree. -
US wins Spanish American War
The war was finished very quickly as the Spanish weren't ready for a battle on two fronts, the Philippines and Cuba. The US attacked the Philippines and supported Cuba. The war was won in about four months. -
Beginning of Mexican Revolution
Porfirio Diaz is a corrupt ruler. He made most of the population into basically slaves. When there was an election campain and Francisco Madero ran against him Diaz thresw Madero in jail when Madero became popular. Madero escaped and caused a revolution against Diaz, effectively putting him in charge of Mexico. -
Opening of Panama Canal
The Panama canal links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans together. It was started by the French but they could not complete it, because the French suck. The Americans picked up the job and kept the Panama canal by supporting a revolt and creation of the country Panama. The US later signed the canal over to Panama in exchange for free passage for 100 years.