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Washington's Farewell address
for more informationHe warned against making alliances with foreign countries and European affairs. America follwed this advice for over 100 years because they wanted to strengthen the economy and conquer the west. -
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Sinking of the USS Maine
Click Here The USS Maine was sunk by a malfunction in the ship, but yellow journalism made everyone think that spain did it and we went to war. -
McKinley asked for declaration of war
Click here Congress asked for a declaration of war after the US Maine was attacked. McKinley felt that if the US did not act first, European powers might try to sieze the islands and new conflicts could result. -
The Battle of Manilla Bay
Click Here for More Information on the Battle Comodore Dewey of the United States Navy led 7 warships against the Spanish early on May 1st, 1898. By 8 am, the Spanish fleet was destroyed and the U.S. emerged victorious while only suffering a few injuries and no casualities. This was the first major conflict of the Spanish-American War and eliminated the Spanish threat to the United State's hold in the far east. -
Rough Riders Battle of San Juan Hill
an eyewitness account plentiful in the most interesting factsThe Rough Riders were a group of ex-convicts and volunteers under the government. Theodore Roosevelt, future president of the united states, quit being the assistant secretary of the navy join this group of hooligans lead by leonard wood.The Rough riders were disorganized and lost half of their soldiers and all of their horses. They met up with the 10th negro cavalry and then they charged up the hill and won the battle. This battle was later described by Roosevelt as a "bully fight". -
The Annexation of Hawaii
In 1893, the U.S. diplomatic and military personnel conspired with a small group to overthrow Hawaii's government. President Cleveland revieced a notice saying that the cause of the revolution was from illegal intervention from the U.S, so we withdrew the treaty of annexation. In 1898, after a few different attempts to annex Hawaii, the U.S. opted to unilaterally annex the Hawaiian Islands.
For more information, click here! -
Spanish-American Treaty of Paris signing
For more information...The US paid $20 million for the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam which became unincorporated territories (land that is not intended for statehood) and Cuba became independent from the US. -
Cuban Independence
More on Cuban Independence Cuba declared their independence from Spain. For America's help, the Platt Amendment allowed the United States to have a naval base in Cuba (Guantanamo Bay). Also it said that Cuba cannot have foreign alliances. -
Roosevelt Corollary
Click here for transcript of the Roosevelt Corollary
A revision to the Monroe Doctrine that stated that the United States could enter other countries to stabilize them. It also declares the U.S. an international policeman, primarily of the Caribbean Islands. -
Great White Fleet Departs
click here to find out more!The Great White Fleet was meant to show the military power of the U.S. all around the world. It departed from Hampton Roads, VA toward South America. -
Panama Canal!!!!!
Link for more info:United States bought land from Panama, once Panama won indepedence from Columbia. Construction began in 1904 and was finished in 1914. The canal increased trade and made traveling to South America easier, and helped move navy back and forth from Pacific and Atlantic. -
Puerto Rican Citizenship
click here
Since Puerto Rico never got its own independence, the United States helped them develop their infrastructure and educational system. Additionally, Puerto Ricans received US citizenship in 1917, known as the Jones Act, but it was not full citizenship since the US constitution did not apply to territories. Also, Puerto Ricans did not have the right to vote. -
Philippines independence
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The Philippine Islands wanted independence from the U.S. because they were controlling their country. Since the U.S. thought Europe might try to sieze the Philippines, they would not allowed them to be free. Ultimately, Philippino rebels lead by Emilio Aqualano fought the U.S. for 3 years in a series of battles. They finally aquired their independence from the U.S. on July 4, 1946.
