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Treaty of Paris (1898)
An agreement made in 1898 that involved Spain relinquishing nearly all of the remaining Spanish Empire, especially Cuba, and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. -
Annexation of Samoa Islands
Germany, the US, and the UK had settled into the Samoan Islands and disputes had erupted in what was known as the Second Samoan Civil War. In the centuries prior to European contact, warfare over titled positions on the islands of Western Samoa was endemic. -
"Scramble for Africa"
The invasion, occupation, division, colonization and annexation of African territory by European powers during the period of New Imperialism. It wouldn't have happened except for the particular economic, social, and military evolution Europe was going through. -
Alfred T Mahan "The Importance of Sea Power"
A history of naval warfare published in 1890 by Alfred Thayer Mahan. Its policies were quickly adopted by most major navies, ultimately leading to the World War I naval arms race. -
Overthrow of Queen Lilikoulani
Hawaii's monarchy was overthrown when a group of businessmen and sugar planters forced Queen Liliuokalani to abdicate. The coup led to the dissolving of the Kingdom of Hawaii two years later, its annexation as a U.S. territory and eventual admission as the 50th state in the union. -
Annexation of Hawaii
Dole declared Hawaii an independent republic. Spurred by the nationalism aroused by the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 at the urging of President William McKinley. Hawaii was made a territory in 1900, and Dole became its first governor. -
Venezuela Border Dispute
The Venezuelan Government protested alleged British encroachment on Venezuelan territory. In 1814, Great Britain had acquired British Guiana by treaty with the Netherlands. -
De Lome Letter
A note written by Señor Don Enrigue Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, to Don José Canelejas, the Foreign Minister of Spain, reveals de Lôme's opinion about the Spanish involvement in Cuba and President McKinley's diplomacy. -
Sinking of the USS Maine
At 9.40pm on the night of February 15th, 1898 the United States battleship Maine, riding quietly at anchor in Havana harbour, was suddenly blown up, apparently by a mine, in an explosion which tore her bottom out and sank her, killing 260 officers and men on board. -
Teller Amendment
An amendment to a joint resolution of the United States Congress, enacted in reply to President William McKinley's War Message. It placed a condition on the United States military's presence in Cuba. The Teller Amendment was succeeded by the Platt Amendment introduced by Senator Orville Platt -
Spanish-American War
A war between Spain and the United States, fought in 1898. The war began as an intervention by the United States on behalf of Cuba. ... The United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines in the war and gained temporary control over Cuba. -
Rough Riders Charge up San Juan Hill
An elevation in eastern Cuba near Santiago de Cuba. It was captured by Cuban and American forces on during the Spanish-American War. Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders became famous for a charge up the hill during the battle. -
Insular Cases
A series of opinions by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1901, about the status of U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish–American War. Signifies that the territories were islands administered by the War Department's Bureau of Insular Affairs. -
Foraker Act
Officially known as the Organic Act of 1900, is a United States federal law that established civilian (albeit limited popular) government on the island of Puerto Rico. The purpose of the Foraker Act was to establish a limited government in the recently acquired territory of Puerto Rico. The act also outlawed cockfighting in the territory. -
Platt Amendment
Passed as part of the 1901 Army Appropriations Bill. It stipulated seven conditions for the withdrawal of United States troops remaining in Cuba at the end of the Spanish–American War, and an eighth condition that Cuba sign a treaty accepting these seven conditions. -
Boxer Rebellion
A Chinese secret organization called the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists led an uprising in northern China against the spread of Western and Japanese influence there.Officially supported peasant uprising of 1900 that attempted to drive all foreigners from China. -
Roosevlet Corollary
An addition to the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in his State of the Union address in 1904 after the Venezuela Crisis of 1902–03. President Roosevelt dusted off the Monroe Doctrine and added his own corollary. While the Monroe Doctrine blocked further expansion of Europe in the Western Hemisphere, the Roosevelt Corollary went one step further. -
Great White Fleet
The popular nickname for the United States Navy battle fleet that completed a journey around the globe by order of United States President Theodore Roosevelt. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons, along with various escorts. -
Building of the Panama Canal
Waterway across the Isthmus of Panama. The canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The United States built it from 1904 to 1914 on territory leased from Panama.
