1900-1920

  • Open Door Policy

    John Hay announces the Open Door Policy to promote trade with China.
  • Platt Amendment

    The U.S. Congress passes the Platt Amendment, limiting the autonomy of Cuba as a condition for the withdrawal of American troops.
  • Panama Canal Control

    For $10 million, the United States gains control of the Panama Canal Zone.
  • First National Monument

    U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower, Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument. A spark for his legacy of national land monuments and conservation
  • New President

    William Howard Taft is sworn in as the 27th President of the United States.
  • Titanic Starts Journey

    The British ocean liner RMS Titanic leaves Southampton, England on her maiden voyage for New York City.
  • Titanic Sinks

    RMS Titanic sinks at 2:20 am, taking with her the lives of more than 1,500 people.
  • Steamer Sinks

    The steamer Eastland capsizes in central Chicago, with the loss of 844 lives.
  • 19th Amendment

    Women's rights: The United States Congress approves the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would guarantee suffrage to women, and sends it to the U.S. states for ratification.