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Alaska Purchase
It was controversial, the whole ordeal itself was often referred to 'scoffingly' as Seward's Folley, (as sewerd was charged with the buying of Alaska) From the business stand point at the time, it seemed like a worthless investment, however it was later discovered that Alaska was filled with natural oil, a comodity that had trivial value at the time. -
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act: (Named after Senator John Sherman) was the first federal law to limit cartels and monopolies, and today still forms the basis for most antitrust litigation by the United States federal government. However, for the most part, politicians were unwilling to refer to the law until Theodore Roose -
The battle of Manilla Bay.
The United States Navy under Admiral George Dewey ousted Spain from the Philippines in the Spanish-American War of 1898. The first battle between American and Spanish forces was at Manila Bay where, on May 1, Commodore George Dewey, in a matter of hours defeated a Spanish squadron. Dewey managed this with only nine wounded. This is was a strong testament to Dewey's leadership and the might of the U.S.Navy. It was the first part of U.S.A.'s imperialist movement. (in acquistion of other lands) -
The annexation of Hawaii
This occured during a key time in U.S. History, Hawaii as a land mass was an important place in which to build a conveniently placed u.s. naval base. It helped lay the foundation of the might that is the U.S. Navy. It's placement was also key because of its' proximity between european waters and american waters, It helped as a base for protection of U.S. Trading ships. Picture shown is of the annexation Ceremony in Honolulu -
The Treaty of Paris
The treaty of Paris was an agreement made in 1898 that resulted in Spain surrendering control of Cuba and ceding Puerto Rico, parts of the West Indies, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. The cession of the Philippines involved a payment of $20 million to Spain by the United States. This helped to cement the foundation of American Imperialism in the eyes of the world. -
The presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
Theodore Rooselvelt was the key component to progressivism entirely in this era. We would not have been able to progress in such a way without him. Roosevelt had a well-deserved reputation as a “trustbuster.” During his administration (1901–09), 44 antitrust actions were filed against the nation's largest corporations, including the Northern Securities Company (a railway holding company). -
Platt Amendment
Approved on May 22, 1903, the Platt Amendment was a treaty between the U.S. and Cuba that attempted to protect Cuba's independence from foreign intervention. It permitted extensive U.S. involvement in Cuban international and domestic affairs for the enforcement of Cuban independence. In a way it was regarded as unfair, it's somewhat of a stiff arm of the U.S. Government. -
The Food and Drug Act
The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was a key piece of Progressive Era legislation, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on the same day as the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Enforcement of the Pure Food and Drug Act was assigned to the Bureau of Chemistry in the U.S. Department of Agriculture which was renamed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1930. It was the cornerstone of health standards in food production at the time. -
Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand set off the powder keg of what was World War 1. It set in motion the chain of events that led to a true 'world war'. Meaning all of the world was in some way involved with this battle. It's importance is in that it began the war of worlds. -
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia
One month to the day after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were killed by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo, Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, effectively beginning the First World War. This is important because it was the beginning of the true 'war' of the worlds. -
Germany Invades Belgium
This is when things got REAL. This was an important event because if the plan was effectively executed the German forces would have had a much more effective campaign in France. Meaning the French and their allies would have a harder time retaking France and Belgium and possibly changing the outcome of the war. -
Introduction of the Mass Production.
Mass production: This is the time in which Henry Ford introduced the idea of an assembly line. This was a pivotal revolutionization in the world of manufacturing it laid the foundation in one of the main points of the progressivist movement: Fostering Efficiency! Note* This was especially important at the time to help aid the war effort. -
The Zimmerman Note (and it's deciphering)
The notorious 'Zimmerman Note' it sparked a firey anger in the hearts and minds of countless americans. They felt insulted, and overall, blindly mad. This note and it's contents was a major catalyst/factor in America's decision to enter the war. -
United States declared war on Germany.
The final straw broke, and with such, The grand 'ole U.S. of A. Joined the world war. Making it truly a 'world war'. From this point countries from the farthest reaches of the world were now involved in the war, this was also a pivotal moment in the morale of the allied forcess, Our force's arrival gave them new hope. -
Ratification of the 19th Amendment
This is what brought to law the right for all genders to have the right to vote, this was a huge deal and a large part of the progressivist movement as for the women's suffrage aspect.
