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Ostend Manifesto
In 1854, Ostend Manifesto was presented to the ministers. The ministers wrote up a document that wanted to make the U.S. want to annex Cuba for reasons of slavery, and if Spain refuses to sell the island, it should be overtaken by the U.S. This helped start Imperialism in The United States. -
Treaty to stop Korea
The U.S. attempts to get a treaty that will involve stopping strategic Korea by using force. The U.S. naval vessels attack and destroy five Korean forts but they end up without a victory. -
Pearl Harbor
The Senate ratifies a treaty with Hawaii guaranteeing the U.S. rights to build a naval base at Pearl Harbor. This would be the base where the historical attack of Pearl Harbor would take place in the future. -
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Hawaii resolutions
The Senate declares that Hawaii will be able to keep its own personal government, and they warn that any nation interfering with the Hawaiian government will be considered hostile to the U.S.
Cuban insurgents revolt against Spanish rule, supported by monies from American sugar planters. General Valeriano Weyler is sent from Spain to lead the revolt. Americans negotiate and settle with the Cubans. The "Yellow Press," led by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, fans the flames of imper -
Rough Riders
The "Rough Riders," otherwise known as the volunteer cavalry, is organized in April. Future President, Theodore Roosevelt will resign his post in the Navy to take up commission of lieutenant colonel of the Rough Riders. -
The Platt Amendment
The Platt Amendment is issued by Congress, this says that American troops will not be able to withdraw from Cuba until the following conditions are included in their constitution: Cuba will not sign any agreement with a foreign power which will limit its independence; only the United States will be allowed to intervene to preserve Cuban independence and law and order; the Cubans agree to lease or sell naval stations to the United States. -
Hay-Buneau-Varilla Treaty
In November, the United States and Panama sign the Hay-Buneau-Varilla treaty giving the United States permanent rights to a 10-mile wide strip of land in return for $10,000,000 and an annual charge of $250,000 after nine years. -
William Howard Taft "Dollar Diplomacy"
William Howard Taft is elected President. Taft makes a similar decleration of Rooseveltís "big stick" that comes to be known as "Dollar Diplomacy." Taft says that he wishes to substitute "dollars for bullets" in his dealings with Latin America, with American capital bringing healthy reform to corrupt governments. -
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson is elected President. He is the first Democratic President since Grover Cleveland. Wilson is a progressive reformer, with a solid Democratic House, about to set his reforms. He could easily make a big impact on the course of imperialism in the United States -
United States stays Neutral
The United States issues a formal statement that it will remain neutral in the European wars. It proposes that the opposing nations stand by international law which states that neutral seas are open seas, and that neutral shipping is protected. -
Sussex
In March, German U-boats sink the French vessel Sussex which is steaming through the English channel. The ship is unarmed and three Americans lose their lives. Secretary of State Lansing warns Germany that the United States will break off diplomatic relations unless these attacks are discontinued. In the Sussex pledge, Germany asks the U.S. to compel the allies to end their trade blockade. Wilson turns down the plea deal. -
The Fuel Administration
The Fuel Administration, lead by Harry Garfield, begins daylight savings time, rations coal and oil, and creates gasless days. The Railroad administration and the War Shipping Board coordinate arms shipment. -
Imperialism Ends
The peace conference ends in June with the signing of the Versailles Treaty. Germany is asked to admit guilt, to give up the rich Alsace-Lorraine and her overseas colonies, and pay reparations of some $15,000,000,000. Further issues will result from clauses in the treaty that prevent German realignment and the poor to benefit this treaty.
