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Monroe Doctrine Reflects Special US Interests in Americas
As European countries would try to reconquer the new republics, the US was too young to not be fearful. President James Monroe issued a document stating that "the American continents... are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers." -
China and Britain Clash in the Opium War
After the British smuggled opium into China, and all of China became addicted, China declared war. The war was predominantely fought at sea, and the Chinese ships were no match for the British navy. China was blown out of the water, and in 1842, signed a peace treaty with Britain (The Treaty of Nanjing). -
Commodore Perry Enters Tokyo Harbor
Japan had shut itself off from almost all contact with foreigners, until US Commodore Matthew Perry took four massive ships into Tokyo Harbor with a letter from US President Millard Fillmore. The Japanese were astounded by the US navy. The Japanese shogun was forced to take the letter which requested he allow free trade between the US and Japan. Because of the threat of returning with a larger floatilla, Japan was forced to open two ports for the US. Many other nations followed. -
US Wins Spainsh-American War
As the Cubans fought for independence from Spain, the US saw its substantial business holdings in Cuba as an economic stake in the fate of the country. The US fought along with Cuba, first attacking the Philippines, catching the Spainish off guard, then installing a military force in Cuba. After the Spanish defeat, they gave up the last of its colonies - Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. -
Mexican Revolution Begins
In the early 1900s, Mexicans started protesting Porfirio Diaz's harsh rule, in hope of reform. Francisco Madero lead the revolution by running for presidency. Diaz got him arrested, then from exile he called for a revolution. In northern Mexico, "Pancho" Villa became a popular revolutionary. In the south, Emiliano Zapata stepped up to help lead the revolution. He and other revolutionaries won independece against Diaz's army. In 1911, Diaz was forced to step down. -
Panama Canal Opens
As the US became the "Colossus of the North", they saw a need to cut coast-to-coast journey time in half. Panama was a province of Columbia, so US President Theodore Roosevelt offered Columbia $10 million to build. Columbia demanded more money, so the US helped the Panamanians win independence from Columbia. With gratitude, Panama granted the US rights to build. The canal became the crossroads of world trade, and the US got to charge foreigners to use it.
