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Monroe Doctrine Reflects Special US Interests in Americas
In 1823 President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine. It stated that the American continents can not be colonized by any European powers. -
China and Britain Clash in the Opium War
All the European countries were determined to find a product that the Chinese would trade because China was self- suffiecient for such a long time. Finally they found a product that the Chinese would buy in large quantities- opium. Many, many Chinese became addicted to the drug. The Qing wanted to stop trading opium, but Britain refused to stop. That's how to Opium War began. The Chinese suffered a harsh defeat in this war. -
Commodore Perry Enters Tokyo Harbor
Other countries had many attempts at trade with the Japanese. It wasn't until Commodore Matthew Perry had taken his four steamships into Tokyo Harbor that the Japanese decided to give the Westerners a chance. Perry delivered a letter from the US President to the Tokugawa shogun. The letter asked to allow free trade with Japan and the United States. -
US Wins Spanish- American War
The United States was very much involved in Cuba's economy, so the US would be at stake if their economy collapsed. The United States then decided to help Cuba fight for its independence from Spain. The US won the war and gained Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. -
Mexican Revolution Begins
The Mexican Revolution began when Francisco Madero announced his candidacy for president and Porfirio Diaz had him arrested. Madero then called for an armed revolution against Diaz. Different leaders from different regions in Mexico slowly rose and gathered their own armies to fight. -
Panama Canal Opens
Because the United States had helped Panama gain its independence from Colombia, Panama rewarded them with a ten-mile-wide zone to build the canal. The canal was very useful and it had made Latin Americaa crossroads of world trade.
