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Discrimination in America
Throughout this period of Imperialism and Nationalism, many "patriotic" white Americans began discriminating minorities and people of color, seeing them as their lesser. This prompted the refusal of black peoples right to vote, segregation, and in fatal cases lynching. While this period may end in 1900, many immigrants and minorities still face some sort of discrimination to this day; some politicians blame immigrants for America's problems. -
Alaska is Purchased
The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for approximately $7 million. Senator William H Seward was mocked by the press for arranging the purchase, calling it his "Icebox". Since then, Alaska has provided the US with a large portion of its own oil, and had a "gold rush" which brought many of it's own settlers. Today, Alaska has an estimated population of 738,068. -
Annexation of Hawaii
Before this period, Hawaii was heavily involved with the US through trade and treaties. It wasn't until 1893, that a small group of American farmers organized a rebellion, leading to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. Feeling remorseful, Grover Cleveland pulled the treaty of annexation, but needing the location for upcoming wars, Hawaii was annexed. Today, the state of Hawaii has an estimated population of 1.4 million people and holds a strategic location for each branch of America's military. -
USS Maine Explodes
The USS Maine mysteriously explodes in Havana, killing 260 U.S. crew members. The explosion subsequently lead to the start of the Spanish-American War, as it was expected the explosion was done by the Spanish. It was later discovered in 1976, that the explosion was an accident and not an act of destruction by the Spanish. -
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Spanish-American War
Referred to as "The Splendid Little War", the war was dominated by the US as the Spanish never sent the existing troops any assistance. After few battles, the General William Shafter would force the Spanish to surrender on the 17th of August. The Treaty of Paris was signed in December of 1898, this would give Cuba Independence, the US received Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines for $20 million. Today, the Philippines and Cuba are free nations, while Guam and Puerto Rico are US territories. -
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The Philippine War
After gaining the Philippines from the Spanish, the U.S. remained adamant on keeping the islands under their control. This lead to another war that lasted 4 years, and cost 4,200 Americans their lives. It wasn't until July of 1902 when President Roosevelt would declare the end of the war. The U.S. would eventually grant the Philippines independence in 1946. As of 2017, the Philippines run an American-style democracy with Filipino and English being their official languages.
