government By laurentaylor Jan 1, 1867 french invasion of mexico Jan 1, 1898 spanish american war Jan 1, 1899 trade wars in china Jan 1, 1902 panama canal authorize Jan 1, 1917 us enters world war 1 Jan 1, 1941 us enters world war 2 Jan 1, 1945 united nations est. May 1, 1948 Berlin Blockade May 1, 1950 Korean War begins May 1, 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis May 1, 1965 U.S. commits to Vietnam War May 1, 1972 SALT 1 pact May 1, 1989 Soviet invasion of Afghan May 1, 2002 operation Iraqi Freedom