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Monroe Doctrine reflects special US interest in the Americas
President James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. Countries of North, Central, and South America had recently gained independence and were scared of losing it again to European powers. Hence, this policy stated that European countries were no longer allowed to colonize any country in America. -
China and Britain clash in the Opium War
The Chinese refused to begin trade with any European countries, believing themselves to be self-sufficient, however, Britain was determined to find a product that China would buy. The British started smuggling opium into China and by 1835, over 12 million Chinese people were addicted to opium. The British ignored China's pleas to stop trade, and war broke out between the two countries. The Chinese ships, however, were very outdated from years of isolation, and the British won. -
Commodore Perry enters Tokyo Harbor
When Commodore Perry arrived in Tokyo, the Japanese people were scared of their steam engine boats that were much more advanced than their wooden ones. Perry delivered a letter to the shogunate, which requested free trade between the US and Japan. He also threatened to come back with an even larger fleet of ships if they didn't comply. Japan opened 2 ports for US trade in the Treaty of Kanagawa. -
US wins Spanish American War
Cuba had been fighting a 10 year war for independence against Spain. The US then intervened when the Spanish forced Cubans into concentrations camps. This war is known as the Spanish American War, and it only lasted four months. The US attacked the Philippines, another Spanish colony, and they were completely unprepared to fight on two fronts. Spain lost and Cuba became independent. -
Mexican Revolution begins
In the mid-19th century, Benito Juarez worked to start a liberal reform movement called La Reforma. This kick-started a civil war between the liberals and conservatives because of the gap between the rich and poor. The liberals won and Juarez became president. Then, Porfirio Diaz came into power. He was a caudillo, or dictator, who's motto was "order and power". A series of leaders followed when Carranzea began a revision of Mexico's constitution. Obregon overthrew him eventually but kept it. -
Panama Canal Opens
President Roosevelt offered Columbia $10 million for the right to build a canal. However, when their government asked for more money, the US encouraged a rebellion in Panama. They helped them gain their independence, and Panama let the US build a canal. Thousands died from disease, but it finally opened in 1914.