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Monroe Doctrine reflects special US interests in the Americas
United States President (at the time) James Monroe quickly began to realize that European countries were interested in the Americas so he knew he had to take action. Then, the Monroe Doctrine was born. It basically stated that Europeans couldn't set up colonies "in our backyard." This also let other countries know that the US had plans for places like Latin America, including the Panama Canal. -
China and Britain clash in the Opium War
For many years China had isolated itself and Europeans (especially Britain) wanted to expand their market into China. So, Britain started to smuggle opium into China and after a few decades, the drug began to be used for pleasure. The Chinese declared war on Great Britain after hearing that the drug was illegal in their country and Queen Victoria never responded. China lost the war and opium was still smuggled in. -
Commodore Perry enters Tokyo Harbor
Commodore Perry went to the isolated island of Japan to deliver a letter requesting free trade between the Japanese and the Americans. He told them he'd be back for their answer in a few months with a much larger fleet. The Japanese were shocked and scared at the sight of his steam ships and they called for change. Mutshito took over as emperor after the shougn and modernized Japan. This was known as the Meiji Restoration. He was not the actor Matthew Perry from Friends. -
US wins Spanish American War
The Spanish American War was great for the United States, but very bad for the Spaniards. The US launched a surprise attack on the Philippines and, since Spain was unprepared, they won soon after that. The US got Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, earning them the new nickname of, "The Colossus of the North." -
Mexican Revolution Begins
Mexico's Revolution may be complex, but involved in it were great leaders and awful dictators. Although Benito Juarez died before the revolution began, his reforms (La Reforma) were eventually put into the constitution during Carranza's presidency. These reforms included minimum wage, land redistrubution, and education. A dictator was Diaz. His motto was "Liberty, Order, and Progress," although more progress and order occurred during his presidency. However, Mexico thrived under his rule. -
Panama Canal Opens
The building of the Panama Canal started much like the building of the Suez Canal did, the French started but failed to pay. But this time instead of Britain stepping in to help, it was the new world power aka the United States. Roosevelt offered Colombia 10 million dollars to build it, and when they refused the Americans called for a revolution in Panama, with help from the US navy of course. Panama prevailed and gave the US a 10 mile wide zone for the canal.
