US Building and Protecting Foreign Trade 1890s-1914

  • 1890

    McKinley Tariff Act passed, significantly raising tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries.
  • 1893

    Reciprocity Treaty with Panama signed, aiming to increase trade and investment opportunities.
  • 1897

    US establishes a consulate in China's Shanghai to promote trade and protect American interests.
  • 1898

    Spanish-American War: The US acquires Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, expanding its trade and influence in the Pacific region.
  • 1900

    US signs trade agreements with several Latin American countries, seeking to expand markets and secure preferential trade terms.
  • 1903

    Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine announced, asserting the US's right to intervene in Latin American affairs to protect its interests and trade.
  • 1906

    Pure Food and Drug Act passed, regulating the import and sale of food and drugs to protect consumer health and safety.
  • 1909

    Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act raises tariffs on certain imported goods, maintaining the protective trade policy.
  • 1913

    Federal Reserve System established, providing a more stable currency and economic environment for international trade.
  • 1914

    Outbreak of World War I: The US declares neutrality, but its trade with the belligerents is significantly disrupted.
    US signs a trade agreement with China, seeking to expand trade opportunities despite the war.