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The U.S. buys Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million.
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Cuba's independence was recognized in 1898 when the U.S. declared war against Spain. The Treaty of Paris ended this war and guaranteed Cuba's independence but were still occupied by American troops. The American government provided food and clothing for thousands of Cuban families. Under the terms of the Platt Amendment, Cuba became a U.S. protectorate.
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The U.S. feared China would turned into colonies so John Hay issued the Open Door notes. These letters stated that no nation would have a monopoly on trade with any part of China. After the Boxer Rebellion John Hay issued a second set of Open Door notes which "paved the way for greater American influence in Asia.
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The Treaty of Paris angered many Filipinos. Under the leadership of Emilio Aguinaldo, the Filipinos started a revolt in 1899 which resulted in the U.S. forcing them to live in zones with poor sanitation, very little food, and a disease that killed thousands. By the time the rebellion was put down, 20,000 Filipinos rebels died. The war costed 4000 Americans their lives and $400 million. On July 4, 1946, The Philippines were finally an independent republic.
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General Miles assured Puerto Ricans that Americans were only there for protection to themselves and their property. Congress passed the Foraker Act in 1900 that ended the military rule the U.S. had on Puerto Rico.
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In 1904, the Roosevelt Corollary was added to the Monroe Doctrine stating that the U.S. would use force to protect its economic interest in Latin America. After Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for negotiating the Treaty of Portsmouth, the U.S. and Japan agreed to respect each other's possessions in East Asia and the Pacific. Roosevelt felt a great need for a canal, cutting across Central America, that would reduce travel time, which was opened for business on August 15, 1914.
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Woodrow Wilson's "missionary diplomacy" pressured nations in the western hemisphere to establish democratic governments, but was soon tested by the Mexican Revolution. In 1911, Francisco Madero led Mexican peasants and workers to overthrow Diaz, who had ruled Mexico for over three decades. Wilson tried to come up with a plan to take out General Huerta after he took over the government. Huerta's decisions brought the U.S. and Mexico close to war.
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In 1959, Alaska finally became a state. The U.S. had acquired a land rich in timber, minerals, and oil.