- The United States defeated Spain and gained control over the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
- This established the US as a major power in the Pacific.
2. The Boxer Rebellion (1900):
- The US joined an international coalition to suppress the Boxer Rebellion in China.
- This further increased US influence in the region.
3. The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905):
- The US backed Japan in its war against Russia, which resulted in Japan's victory.
- This strengthened the US-Japan relationship and further solidified US power in the Pacific.
4. The Panama Canal (1914):
- The completion of the Panama Canal greatly reduced the travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, giving the US a significant strategic advantage.
5. World War I (1914-1918):
- The US entered World War I on the side of the Allies, further strengthening its position in the Pacific.
6. The Washington Naval Treaty (1922):
- The Washington Naval Treaty limited the size of the US Navy and the Royal Navy, but allowed the US to maintain a larger fleet in the Pacific.
7. World War II (1939-1945):
- The US played a major role in defeating Japan in World War II, gaining control over the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa.
8. The Post-War Era:
- After World War II, the US emerged as the dominant power in the Pacific, establishing military bases and alliances throughout the region.