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Alaska Purchase
In 1867, William Seward (Secretary of State) purchased Alaska on the United States' behalf. The purchase was not publically accepted at first. -
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US Imperialism Timeline
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Disputes over Samoan land
Samoa granted the US permission to make a military base in Pago Pago, so Germany and the UK became upset. The three nations settled the issue by dividing islands amongst themselves. -
McKinley Tarrif
The McKinley Tarrif put Hawaii's large export of sugar to the US in danger as it faced new competition. In order to save the economy, sugar growers in Hawaii overthrew the government and agreed to make Hawaii a US territory. -
Fredrick Turner World Fair Speech
Turner gave a speech during the world fair that had a very inspirational message for all Americans. His idea later became the Turner Thesis, which encouraged foreign endeavours. -
USS Maine Explodes
The USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbon and the Spanish were blamed for the disaster. The ship was sent to protect Americans on the island. -
Demands against the Spanish
President McKinley made demands of the Spanish, which included talks over Cuban independence. In April, force against Spain was authorized. -
USS Oregon Trip
The USS Oregon had to travel from California to Cuba in anticipation of the war with the Spanish. To do this, the ship had to go around the tip of South America on a 60-day journey that was over 14,000 miles. This was a major event that prompted the US govenment to build the Panama Canal. -
US Battles Spain in the Phillippines
George Dewey led the Navy against the Spanish in Manila Harbor. This paved the way for Emilio Aguinaldo to lead his own native troops towards the capital and overtake it. -
Puerto Rico becomes a territory
Along with Puerto Rico's new status as a territory, Congress decided it would choose its leaders. It took seventeen years for Puerto Ricans to become US citizens. -
Platt Amendment
This amendment made Cuba into a protectorate, which limited its sovereign power. Also, the US obtained a permanent lease for Guantanamo Bay base. -
Spooner Act
The Spooner Act, passed by Congess, allowed the US to purchase the assets of the French company that was already working on the Panama Canal. The US continued with these rights and completed the Canal. -
Panama Canal Opens
The Panama Canal finally opens after about a decade of construction. Over 20,000 people died working on the canal.
