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Platt Amendment
This new amendment granted the country of Cuba protection, officially making it a US protectorate. Relationships with Cuba were strengthened, and new immigration and trade policies were created. -
Big Stick Diplomacy
This was a policy developed by Theodore Roosevelt, and was applied to help Panama achieve their independence from Columbia. The US wished to protect American interest in the Panama canal by stationing troops on the isthmus. -
The Mexican Revolution
Groups of revolutionaries in Mexico fought battles in attempts to over throw their dictator. A result of this conflict was fighting along the border of the United States, ending the peace that had occurred their for about a century. Failed military intervention by Woodrow Wilson resulted in shaky immigration policy until the Zimmerman Telegram in 1917. -
Zimmerman Telegram
Germany attempted to call on Mexico to enter World War I and attack the United States. However, the message was intercepted by Britain. When shown to the United States, we became outraged with Mexico, until it was confirmed that Mexico had no involvement and was not prepared to enter the war. In the end, the telegram strengthened ties between Mexico and the US. -
League of Nations
As part of the Versailles Treaty, the U.S. proposed that the countries of Europe form a group known as the League of Nations so that they can handle disagreements diplomatically as opposed to with war. However, once the group was created, the U.S. refused to join, causing a rift between them and the countries of Europe. -
Dawes Plan
In an attempt to ease the reparations that faced Germany, the United States passed the Dawes Plan, allowing for triangle economics between the U.S, Britain, and Germany. The United States would pay money to Germany, allowing them to pay Britain for reparation costs, which then let Britain pay the U.S. for their role in the war. All of the money circled around, resulting in the lessened debt of both countries. This allowed peace to return to the world faster. -
Kellogg-Briand Pact
An agreement, which was signed by over 60 nations, which stated that any and all war was illegal among the nations who signed. The pact lasted about 10 years before conflict erupted again in World War II. -
Smoot-Hawley Tariff
This proposed tariff was passed to potentially ease the depression currently going on in the United States by increasing taxes on imported goods. This tariff was met with extreme resistance by American neighbors and allies, and economists predicted it would only worsen the depression. -
Open Door Policy
After failed military intervention in Latin America by Woodrow Wilson, President Roosevelt decided to take up new military campaigns in Nicaragua to try and reform peace. However, during his campaigns, the new Open Door policy passed through government. This new doctrine recognized and formed friendships with dictators in Latin America. -
Neutrality Act
U.S. citizens are allowed on ships leaving the United States. However, with the presence of German U-boats, it is at their own risk. New threats by Germany made leaving the country extremely risky, which meant less imports and exports for the United States. -
Spanish Civil War
Although the U.S. remained neutral in this conflict, the American citizens became involved and therefore divided in their stance on the issue. American Catholics were in support of the Spanish Nationalists, whereas American liberals supported the republican forces. -
Munich Pact
The United States looks the other way while Czechoslovakia is given up to Germany as a form of appeasement. Although the United States denied involvement, this is seen as a large factor in the start of World War II. -
World War II
World War II officially breaks out in Europe. Trade is severed with the United States, who remained neutral until 1941, in light of the conflict. -
Atlantic Charter
The Atlantic Charter was a document joint released by FDR and Winston Churchill, explaining the United States and Britain's goals for the war. It stated to the world that no territories were being sought after by the U.S. or U.K. following the end of the war. They also voiced that they opposed any territorial changes that may occur in Europe or Asia. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
Japan bombs U.S. military base in Hawaii resulting in the United States officially entering the war against Japan. As a result, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States because they were allies with Japan.