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Monroe Doctrine reflects special US interests in Americas
In 1823, the United States released the Monroe Doctrine, which stated that European nations could not colonize lands in the Americas, and basically established the United States as the dominant force in the Western Hemisphere. This document says not in my backyard (NIMBY). -
China and Britain clash in the Opium War
In 1839, the Chinese declared war on the British because the British were selling opium to the Chinese, which was destroying their nation. The war was fought at sea, and the British destroyed the Chinese because of far superior ships. After the British won, they forced the Chinese to sign a treaty giving them lots of rights and privileges. -
Commodore Perry enters Tokyo Harbor
In 1853, Commodore Perry entered the Tokyo Harbor. Perry and his crew scared the very traditional and unmodernized Japanese into signing a treaty granting the United States extraterritorial rights with his modern iron ships and other new items. The Japanese had been closed off for a long period of time under the rule of the shogun. -
US wins Spanish-American War
In 1898, the US won the Spanish-American War after just four months of fighting. The war started when the USS Maine controversially exploded. After the war, the Americans received the Phillipines and Cuba from Spain. -
Mexican Revolution begins
In 1910, a very complicated revolution began. This war was the Mexican Revolution. It included many people taking control of the government, like Juarez, Diaz, and others, and many leaders being assissinated. In the end, a constitution was written with many basic rights being established. -
Panama Canal opens
In 1914, the Panama Canal is opened. At first, the French attempted to build it but failed. Then the US convinced Colombia to let a northern area, not Panama, independence. Then the US in return received the 10 mile zone around the canal for 99 years. The canal saved travelers 7800 miles, and the land was given back to Panama in 2000.
