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Confederate Surrender to the United States
Confederate general Robert E. Lee meets with the United States general Ulysses S. Grant to discuss terms of surrender to end the American Civil War between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. Reconstruction begins following this event the official end to the American Civil War on May 9th of the same year.- Petition of Black Residents of Nashville (1865)
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Chinese Exclusion Act
Congress passes the Chinese Exclusion Act and it is signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur, establishing a 10 year suspension on Chinese immigration. During this time very few Chinese workers were allowed to emigrate to the United States in an effort to protect jobs that were thought to be stolen from citizens. The United States retains a cold relationship with China for many years to come. Transcript of Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) -
Spanish-American War
After a series of rising tensions between Spain and the United States over events regarding Cuba. After the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in the Havana Harbor,which the United States blames on Spain. The United States then intervenes in the Cuban revolution and subsequently acquires Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as part of an imperialist expansion. 115 Aguinaldo, American Imperialism -
Philippine-American War
The First Philippine Republic rejects the terms of the Treaty of Paris and the American possession of the country. Upon refusing allowing the Filipinos to become autonomous, war is declared on the United States. Despite an American victory, the United States would slowly drift away from imperial habits towards the Philippines and allow them more autonomy over time. 115 Aguinaldo, American Imperialism -
Victory in Europe
Germany surrenders to the Allies and World War Two ends in Europe. In post war Europe Germany is divided for governance by the Allies and the United States will give Economic aid to help rebuild many of the European countries devastated by the war. This marks a shift away from isolationism towards the embrace of the United States as a more active player on the world stage. 149 Luce, The American Century -
Victory in Japan
Following the nuclear bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki imperial Japan surrenders to the United States and World War Two ends. Japan will be occupied by the United States and begin a period of rebuilding under American supervision. Japan will also be converted into an American ally in the pacific in an attempt to avoid the consequences of the mistakes made after World War One. 149 Luce, The American Century -
Failure in Vietnam
Adhering to the containment policy, the United States attempts to stop the spread of communism in Vietnam. The war drags on and becomes unpopular in the public. Ineffective military operations eventually lead to a full withdraw of American Forces allowing Vietnam to become a communist country and demonstrating American failure to contain communism abroad. 158 Lippmann, Critique of Containment -
Nixon's Visit to China
Richard Nixon visits China after decades of no relationship with China. The visit begins the normalization of international relations with China, formerly unrecognized by the United States. Warmer relations with China marks a shift away from a strict anti communist policy in line with practices such as containment. The visit undermined China's relationship with the Soviet Union and allowed China to begin economic interactions with capitalist countries. 158, Lippmann Critique of Containment -
Carter's Camp David Accords
President Crater invites heads of state form both Israel and Egypt in order to negotiate an end to the conflicts between the two countries. Carter is successful in the negotiations with both countries agreeing to peace. Despite the assassination of the Egyptian head of state peace between the two nations lasts even today. 183, Carter, Human Rights -
Terror on American Soil
A group of terrorists hijack multiple planes and fly them into the World Trade Center in New York City and other significant locations. The first direct foreign attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor many decades earlier entrenches the United States even deeper into the conflicts of the middle eastern countries with a renewed fervor to combat terrorism abroad to prevent terrorism form arriving at American shores again. 194 Byrd, War in Iraq
