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Monroe Doctrine reflects special US interests in Americas
The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy of opposition to European interference in Latin America, announced by President James Monroe in 1823. -
China and Britain clash in the Opium War
European merchants were determined to find a product the Chinese would buy in large quantities, and they eventually did- opium, a habit-forming narcotic made from the poppy plant. Originally used to relieve pain, but in the late 18th century, British merchants smuggled in opium for nonmedical use.The drug was causing many problems for China, so one of the Qing emperor’s highest advisers wrote a letter to Queen Victoria. The unanswered pleas led to the Opium War. -
Commodore Perry enters Tokyo Harbor
In 1853, US Commodore Matthew Perry took four ships into Tokyo Harbor, which astounded the Japanese. He was there to deliver a letter from President Fillmore, which was originally supposed to be a peaceful request, but Commodore Perry came with a threat. He said he would bring a larger fleet of ships if Japan did not trade with the US. -
US wins Spanish American War
After its defeat in the Spanish-American War, Spain turned over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines -
Mexican Revolution begins
Under the control of Porifirio Diaz, the government was corrupt. The Mexican Revolution was constantly changing leaders, and out of all of them, Diaz was one of the worst. -
Panama Canal Opens
Panama Canal is a man-made waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, built in Panama by the United States and opened in 1914
