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Completion of the Transcontinental Rail Road
The Transcontinental Rail Road was an undertaking that was meant to connect the coast of the continental United States. The final spike was driven home on May 18, 1869, in Promontory Point, Utah. A ceremonial golden spike was used to join the two railway lines that met and formed the first railway that would run in eastward and westward directions. This would be a large step in the westward expansion of the United States. 1
1 Corbett, U.S. History, Chapter 17, Section 17.1 -
Battle of Wounded Knee
The Battle of Wounded Knee was on of the final conflicts between the American government’s forces and the Native Americans. It took place on December 20, 1890, in Wounded Knee Creek South Dakota. The was a group of Sioux in the area to perform a ceremonial Ghost Dance that was meant to help with their struggles against the U.S. A struggle took place when the U.S. forces tried to disarm the Sioux and the end result was a massacre of the Sioux. 2
2 History.com, Battle of Wounded Knee -
The Spanish American War
The Spanish American war began on April 21, 1898 and lasted until August 13, 1898. What stated as a conflict over the treatment of Cuba by the Spanish, developed into a war that ended with the U.S. staking claims on the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam. As well as Cuba receiving its independence from Spain. This war greatly increased U.S. influence in the naval trade routes to Asia. One of the most well know battles was the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba. -
Annexation of Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands were of economic and military importance to the US for years leading up the eventual annexation of the Hawaiian Islands in 1898. The United States saw it as an excellent agricultural asset as well as a key Naval holding in the trade route to Asia and protection of the Western United States. The United States finally annexed the region during the time that the Spanish American War was taking place. -
Opening of the Panama Canal
Americans had been looking for a cite to create a canal that would link the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean for years. President Theodore Roosevelt saw an opportunity in Panama. When the Colombian government, that controlled Panama, refused his proposal, Roosevelt encouraged Panama to fight for its independence with U.S. support. After Panama won its independence, the construction of the canal would start It was officially opened on August 15, 1914 under U.S control.
3 Corbett, U.S. History, -
United Stated enters World War 1
After many years of establishing and expanding a military and economic hold over many areas of the globe, the United States was faced with a problem that they had never seen before. World War 1 was raging across Europe and parts of Asia and all that the U.S. had gained was in jeopardy. With trading partners on both sides of the conflict, and trade routes being patrolled by German U-Boats, the United States had to decide what to do. On April 6, 1917 the United States joined the Allied forces.
