red = holdings of the United States

1857 U.S. annexes Jarvis Island and Bakerís Island, located in the mid-Pacific.

1858 Agreement between the U.S. and Japan opens new trade ports, grants residence rights to American citizens, and establishes diplomatic relations.

1858 President Buchanan urges Congress to give him the authority to purchase Cuba.

1859 Great Britain signs a treaty to give up its land in Central America.

1867 The U.S. acquires Alaska from Russia, thanks to deft negotiations by Secretary of State Seward.

1867 The U.S. annexes the Midway Islands.

1871 The U.S. uses force in an attempt to get a favorable treaty with Korea; naval vessels bombard and destroy five Korean forts.

1871 The Treaty of Washington is formalized between the U.S. and Great Britain, settling fishing and boundary disputes.

1878 The U.S. acquires a naval base in Pago Pago, Samoa

1881 Secretary of State James Blaine declares that the Hawaiian Islands are part of the American system and thus come under the intent of the Monroe Doctrine.

1887 The Senate ratifies a treaty with Hawaii guaranteeing the U.S. sole rights to build a naval base at Pearl Harbor.

1895 Cuban insurgents revolt against Spanish rule, supported by monies from American sugar planters.
General Weylerís "reconcentration" policy gets American sympathy for the Cubans.
The "Yellow Press," led by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, fans the flames of imperialism.

1898 The Battleship Maine is destroyed in Havana harbor, killing 260 of its crew.

1898 On May 1, Admiral Dewey attacks Spainís holdings in the Philippines by engaging the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Spainís losses are 381 sailors and all its ships; there is no damage to U.S. vessels.

1898 On June 10, 647 American Marines land at Guantanamo Bay, beginning the invasion of Cuba.

1898 The Hawaiian Annexation treaty is signed by McKinley.

1898 On July 26, the Spanish-American War is ended. The Treaty of Paris declares that Spain cede the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the U.S.

1899 Secretary of State John Hay requests “Open Door” policy.

1899 Emilio Aguinaldo leads an insurrection against American presence in the Philippines.

1901 The Supreme Court asserts the Insular Cases, saying that the Constitution does not apply to annexed territories.

1901 The Hay-Pauncefote Treaty is signed, Panama Canal can be built.

1901 The Platt Amendment is issued by Congress, saying that American troops will remain in Cuba indefinitely.

1904 The Roosevelt Corollary is written.

1905 Portsmouth Conference; TR mediates the conference between Russia and Japan.