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Matthew Perry opens Japan to trade with the US
Commodore Matthew Perry sailed a fleet of American warships into present-day Tokyo Bay, Japan. Prior to Perry’s arrival, Japan had denied the rest of the world access to its ports.Perry cleverly won the Japanese emperor’s favor by giving them gifts. Within a year, Perry negotiated a treaty that opened Japan to trade with America.8 I think this was very important because Perry’s journey set a precedent for further expansion across the Pacific Ocean. -
The Alaska Purchase
Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million.They wondered why the United States would want a vast tundra of snow and ice 1,000 miles north of its border.But Seward’s purchase almost doubled the country’s size, and the “icebox” turned out to be rich in timber, oil, and other natural resources.This event is important it made the country more powerful and expanded America’s reach across the pacific.It was a key milestone on America’s road to power. -
The US take possession of the Midway Islands
On August 28, 1867, Captain William Reynolds of the USS Lackawanna formally took possession of the Midway Islands for the United States.The Midway Islands was the first Pacific territory annexed by the United States, as the Unincorporated Territory of Midway Island, and was administered by the United States Navy.Its important because the US started their expansion in the pacific area with the annexation of the Midway Islands. -
US establishes a naval base at Pearl Harbor
Hawaii was perfectly located in the Pacific Ocean to set up the naval base to refuel and resupply, and Pearl Harbor being one of the largest and best natural harbors in the Pacific Ocean, made for the perfect fit.This was significant for America and its growth to an imperialistic power. -
US becomes a major naval power
To become a major naval power, the United States began to replace its wooden sailing ships with steel vessels powered by coal or oil in 1883. But control of the seas would also require the acquisition of naval bases and coaling stations.I think this is necessary because it’s important that the US started to become a naval power in order to increase their general power to become an imperialistic power. -
The United States annex Hawaii
1897, a new President entered the White House. William McKinley’s administration favored annexation, and after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Congress proclaimed Hawaii an official U.S. territory.This event was very important because America's annexation of Hawaii extended U.S. territory into the Pacific and highlighted resulted from economic integration and the rise of the United States as a Pacific power. -
The Spanish-American War/Cuba occupation
In 1898, the United States assisted in war to protect its citizens and businesses in Cuba. This war was known as the Spanish-American War. The United States declared war on Spain after the U.S. warship Maine exploded and sank on February 15, 1898 while visiting Cuba.The United States occupation of Cuba may refer to: the United States Military Government in Cuba (1898–1902).I think this is important because the US expanded its territory through the occupation and they could secure businesses. -
Acquisition of Puerto Rico
From the landing of Columbus in 1492 until 1898, Puerto Rico was a colony of Spain. In 1898, Spain lost the Spanish-American war and gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States. Cuba was made a protectorate of the U.S., and the U.S. bought the Philippines.I think this event is significant because through the victory over Spain in the Spanish-American War the US were able to acquire a lot of countries and expand their territory. -
The opening of the Panama Canal
After 10 years of construction, the Panama Canal opened to great fanfare on August 15, 1914.It was important for the US beau has the Americans knew they needed this to move ships from east to west quickly. If they did that, they would control power because they would control the oceans. The Canal was a geopolitical strategy to make the United States the most powerful nation on earth. Also, the economic impact was massive. -
US conflict and intervention with Mexico
The US was involved in Mexico.1910 US businesses had invested around $2 billion in Mexico.But Mexico experienced a lot of trouble with regards to its government.Tensions between Wilson and the Huerta government almost led to war. In 1914, Wilson sent troops to Veracruz, to keep weapons from reaching Huerta's army.The US intervention turned out badly and led to a withdraw of the US troops from Mexico.Its still important because it’s a part of the US’ imperialistic involvement in South America.
