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Explanation of Image

This is the Spanish-American War from the view of the Americans.

When:

The Spanish-American War began on April 21, 1898, and ended on December 10, 1898

What:

The war originated in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain. (Feb. 1895)

The war was waged largely against property.

The Cuban conflict was harmful to the U.S. investments in the island, estimated at $50 million, and almost ended Cuban ports that normally valued at $100 million annually

Why:

It ended the Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in the U.S. acquisition of territories in the western Pacific and Latin America.

Marked the U.S. as an emerging major world power.

Primary Source:

Yale Law Avalon Project: Treaty of Peace Between the United States and Spain: December 10, 1898 (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/sp1898.asp)

This Source is attributed to no single author but instead to two representatives from each country, William R. Day (America) and Don Eugenio Montero Rios (Spain)

William R. Day - appointed Secretary of State in President William Mckinley's cabinet, elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas (1886) then three years later was appointed to be the judge for the northern district of Ohio, only took the position of Secretary of State until the end of the war where he resigned.

Don Eugenio Montero Rios - a Spanish Politician, whose career began with the foundation in Santiago of La Opinion Publica (a journal designed to reunite the progressive), was the president of a section of the General Codification Cabinet.

Main Idea - The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Spanish-American War which resulted in Spain surrendering Cuba and giving Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.

Key Details - Article VI states that both Spain and the U.S. would have to release all prisoners of war. And in Article XVII it says that the treaty has 6 months to be approved by the President of the United States.

I learned that the United States could gain more strategic and power across the world.

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Explanation of Images

This image of the Iolani Palace during the annexation march. The U.S. flag in this image represents the success of the annexation.

When:

The United States annexed Hawaii in 1898 and was made a territory in 1900. Then by 1959 Hawaii and Alaska officially became states.

What:

For most of the 1800s, Americans specifically in Washington were concerned about Hawaii becoming a part of the European nation's empire.

During the 1830s, both Britain and France forced Hawaii to accept treaties that gave them economic privileges.

In 1849, the United States and Hawaii had a treaty of friendship that served as a basis between them.

Why:

The annexation of Hawaii extended the U.S. territory into the Pacific and allowed it to rise as a Pacific Power.

Hawaii was also recognized for its strategic importance of Pearl Harbor, which could serve as a place to store military outposts and a cooling place for merchant ships.

Could remove the devastating tariff on sugar through the plantations

Primary Source:

Docsteach.org - Letter for Queen Lili'uokalani to the House of Representatives

Queen Lili'uokalani was the Queen of Hawaii, a faithful scholar, and an extraordinary musician and composer.

Main Idea:

The main idea of this primary source is that she is objecting against the United States' attempt to annex Hawaii.

Key Details:

She says she respectfully protests against the assertion of ownership by the United States and says that the one million acres of land are hers.

She calls upon the president and the legislative branch to fix this and give her back her islands.

I learned that the U.S. does not care much for any protest against their mission.

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The Boxer Rebellion in China (1899 - 1901)

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The Boxer Rebellion in China (1899 - 1901)

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Explanation of Image

The people in this image are part of a secret society called the Society of Righteousness and Harmonious Fists (Boxers) and they are walking and watching for foreigners.

When:

The Boxer Rebellion in China occurred at about the start of 1900 and ended in 1901

What:

By the end of the 19th century, Western nations and Japan forced China's ruling Qing Dynasty to accept wide foreign control over the country's economic affairs.

China fought to resist foreigners but lacked a modernized military and suffered millions of casualties.

By the late 1890s, a secret Chinese group, the Society of Righteousness and Harmonious Fist, had begun carrying out regular attacks on foreigners and Chinese Christians.

Why:

As a result of the Boxer Rebellion, the Qing Dynasty was greatly weakened.

Despite the liberal economic and political reforms afterward, the dynasty was overthrown in 1911.

Established the Republic of China the year after, bringing the end to the 2000 years of imperial dynastic rule.

Primary Source:

National Archives Catalog - Boxer Rebellion Observations by Future First Lady, Lou Henry Hoover

Evelyn Wight Allen Papers - former principal of the Old Girls Commercial High School in Brooklyn and a one-time commissioner of the Brooklyn Girl Scouts

Main Idea:

The main idea of this primary source was of what she experienced in her expedition in China and how strange it was.

Key Details:

She says that for one week the Boxers were attacking them without any sort of communication.

She says that they couldn't do anything but hope that they don't get charged by the Chinese rebels.

I learned that the Boxer Rebellion was a very ineffective and odd way of protesting.

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The Boxer Rebellion in China (1899 - 1901)

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U.S Philippine War

This Photo highlights the brutal nature of the conflict and reflects the imperialist tactics used by the U.S during the War.

The U.S Philippine War  took place from 1899 to 1902 Although it lasted only a few years it’s impact was profound.The conflict began after the Philippines was ceded to the United States following the Spanish American War and ended with the U.S defeating Filipino forces solidifying policy and imperialism influencing how the U.S engaged with its territories.

The U.S Philippine War was a conflict between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries who were fighting for independence after the Spanish American War.

The U.S took control of the Philippines after Spain’s defeat in the Spanish American War and tried to suppress the Filipino struggle for independence.

The war was marked by guerrilla tactics and brutal counterinsurgency measures by the U.S leading to significant casualties on both sides especially among Filipino civilians.

The U.S Philippine War is significant  because it marked the beginning of America’s imperialist phase particularly in Asia and the Pacific.It reshaped the nations' role in the world transforming the U.S into a global power with overseas territories.

This event sparked major debates about imperialism colonialism and the ethical concerns surrounding U.S foreign policy.These Debates still resonate today influencing how we view modern U.S military interventions and imperialistic practices around the globe.It really makes you think about the long term consequences of expanding power at the cost of other nation’s independence.

The Document is The Philippine American War The Speeches of Emilio Agiunaildo Emilio Aguinaldo’s addresses during the war.

The author is Emilio Aguinaldo, the leader of the Philippine Revolutionary forces and the first president of the Philippines.

You need to know about Emilio Aguinaldo is he played a pivotal role in leading the Philippines fight for independence first against the spain and later against the United States.His leadership was critical in organizing resistance efforts and advocating for Filipino sovereignty even as the U.S sought to impose colonial control He remains a symbol of Filipino patriotism and the struggle for freedom.

The main idea is speeches focused on advocating for Filipino independence and denouncing the U.S as an imperial power.

I learned about the Filipino perspective on American imperialism and the desire for independence.

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Teddy Roosevelt Elected President.

This image symbolizes Roosevelt's dynamic and forceful leadership style which was key to his election and political influence.

Teddy Roosevelt became president in 1901 following the tragic assassination of President William Mckinley. He served as president until 1909 during which brought significant change to both domestic policies and Americans' role in world affairs.

Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th president of the United States after the assassination of President William Mckinley.

He was known for his progressive policies, his advocacy for a stronger federal government and his approach to the environment and conservation.

Roosevelt played a significant role in the U.S becoming a world power with his Big Stick diplomacy and support for the Panama Canal Project.

This Significant because Roosevelt's presidency marked the United States transition from continental power to an imperialistic one which greatly influenced U.S foreign policy and its global presence throughout the 20th century.

You need to know about Roosevelt that his leadership and progressive reform such as trust busting and his dedication to conservation had a lasting impact on U.S governance and environmental protection issues that continue to be relevant in today’s political landscape.

This document is Theodore Roosevelt’s The Strenuous Life Speech 1899.

The Author is Theodore Roosevelt the 26th President of the U.S was a passionate advocate for progressive reforms imperialism and strong foreign policy.

The main idea is Roosevelt argues for an active engaged life where individuals and nations must take risks to achieve greatness embodying his strenuous approach to life and politics.

The key detail is Roosevelt stresses the importance of ambition, hard work and action in both personal and national endeavors.

I learned that Roosevelt believed in active engagement both at home and abroad reinforcing his imperialist approach.

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Pure Food and Drug Act Passed

This image underscores the need for regulations to protect consumers from misleading and potentially harmful products which the law aimed to address.

The Pure Food and Drug Act passed in 1906 marking a key moment in consumer protection laws.It aimed to prevent the manufacture sale or transportation of adulterated food and drug.This laws laid the foundation for the creation of the creation of the food and drug administration FDA and continues to influence food and drug regulations today.

The Pure food and drugs act was passed under Roosevelt administration aiming to prevent the sale of misbranded or adulterated food and drugs.

It was one of the first federal regulations addressing consumer protection and health safety in the U.S.

The act led to the creation of the food and drug administration FDA which would oversee the enforcement of food safety laws.

The author is U.S congress passed the law with Roosevelt supporting the measure as part of his broader progressive agenda.

The main idea is the act aimed to regulate the food and drug industries ensuring that products were labeled accurately and met basic safety standards.

The details prohibited interstate commerce in misbranded and adulterated food drugs marking the federal government's first intervention in consumer protection.

I learned that the Pure Food and Drugs Act was the beginning of consumer protection in the U.S and laid the foundation for future regulations.

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NAACP Founded in New York- February 12, 1909

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NAACP Founded in New York- February 12, 1909

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This photo is a picture of the founding members of the NAACP

This event happened on February 12 1909

What happened was that an interracial group, composed of activists formed an organization to promote civil rights

This organization is important because it served as a foundation for many civil rights activists. It is also important as it is the longest-lasting civil rights organization in the U.S.

Primary Document (https://modjourn.org/journal/crisis/)

The author

The author is Du Bois who was part of the NAACP.

Du Bois was an African American Historian and activist

Main idea

Some key details that stand out are that the article provided a lot of needed correctives to the racial stereotypes.

Another key detail was that the article discussed every detail of life for African Americans, from women's suffrage to education

What I learned

Du Bois published many articles which brought to light many problems of the African community

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Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire- March 25, 1911 

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Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire- March 25, 1911 

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This photo is the remains of the factory after the fire broke out

The event happened on March 25, 1911

On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out, but the workers were trapped on the ninth floor because the door was locked

This led to people either burning to death or falling off of the 9th floor to their death

This was an important event because it resulted in many reforms in workplaces

It is also important to remember as a mark of our country's dark history

Primary Source (https://trianglefire.ilr.cornell.edu/primary/survivorInterviews/MaryDomskyAbrams.html)

Author

The author who is being interviewed is Mary Domsky-Abrams

This person was a blouse operator on the ninth floor of the building where the fire broke out

Main idea

The main idea of this primary source was the recollection of her experience in the workplace

One key detail I noticed was that the buckets that were supposed to be full of water were empty

What I learned

There were many reasons that led up to the fire which was a terrible disaster.

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Ratification of the 17th amendment- April 8, 1913

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Ratification of the 17th amendment- April 8, 1913

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This photo is a satirical of the corruption of politicians before the ratification

This event occurred on April 8, 1913

What happened was that people could directly vote for senators

It also increased democratic productivity

It is important because it reduces corruption in the voting scene

It also gave citizens a more active role in the voting of senators

Primary Source (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/amendments-11-27)

Author

The 17th Amendment was ratified by the Congress of America

More specifically, Senator Joseph L. Bristow who had much recognition for his reforms in the progressive area

Main idea

To prevent corruption in the selection process of new U.S. senators

This can lead to modern-day problems, where senators are dealing with many modern-day issues

What I learned

This document discusses the ratification of the 17th Amendment and how it dealt with corruption.

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(https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/how-the-world-went-to-war-in-1914)

WWI began on July 28, 1914, and lasted until November 11, 1918.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated on June 28, 1914

He was killed by Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian nationalist and member of the Black Hand group

Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, triggering alliances that led to WWI

WWI is important because it ended old empires and created new countries. The Treaty of Versailles made Germany pay for the war, leading to anger that helped start WWII. The war changed the world and still affects global politics today.

The photo of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand shows the event that started WWI by triggering a chain of wars.

Primary source: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/message-neutrality

Author

Woodrow Wilson, U.S. President during WWI.

He aimed to keep the U.S. neutral but later entered the war in 1917.

Main Idea

Wilson urged the U.S. to remain neutral and not take sides.

He warned that the war might create conflict within the U.S. because of immigrants’ ties to Europe.

He stressed that the U.S. should promote peace.

I learned

Wilson wanted to keep the U.S. neutral but eventually had to join the global war.

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The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand | HISTORY

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On the eve of the assassination’s centennial, find out how a teenage Serbian nationalist provided the spark for World War I.

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(https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/electing-appointing-senators/jeannette-rankin-senate-campaign.htm)

Jeanette Rankin was elected to Congress in 1916, becoming the first woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Jeanette Rankin was elected in Montana, where women won the right to vote in 1914.

Her election happened when women across the U.S. were fighting for voting rights.

She was a strong believer in peace and was the only person in Congress to vote against joining World War I.

Jeanette Rankin’s election showed that women could be leaders in government. She helped support the fight for women’s rights, like voting. Today, she still inspires more women to take leadership roles.

The photo shows Jeanette Rankin as the only woman in Congress, proving she paved the way for others.

Primary source: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/jeannette-rankin-one-woman-one-vote.htm

Author

The author is Winifred Conkling, a writer known for books about history and social issues.

She focuses on women's rights, activism, and important historical events in her work.

Main Ideas

The article highlights Jeanette Rankin’s historic role as the first woman in Congress.

It explains her fight for women’s right to vote and her strong anti-war beliefs.

She was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. entry into both World Wars.

I learned

Jeanette Rankin was a bold leader who stood for women’s rights and peace, despite opposition.

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(https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/hay-and-china#:~:text=Secretary%20of%20State%20John%20Hay%20first%20articulated%20the%20concept%20of,half%20of%20the%2020th%20century.)

The Open Door Policy started in 1899 and was confirmed in 1900.

The U.S. wanted to make sure that all countries could trade with China equally, without any one country taking control.

This policy stopped foreign countries from taking too much power in China’s trade.

The Open Door Policy was important because it helped the U.S. have a stronger role in world trade and kept China from being controlled by one country. It also helped shape U.S. relations with China in the future.

The photo shows how the U.S. wanted to make sure China wasn’t controlled by one country, which is what the Open Door Policy was all about.

Primary source: https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=4068#:~:text=In%201899%2C%20Secretary%20of%20State,State%20Washington%2C%20September%206%2C%201899

Author

The author is John Hay, the U.S. Secretary of State.

He helped shape U.S. foreign policy and was important in managing relations with other countries.

Main Idea

The main idea is that John Hay wanted all countries to have equal trading rights in China.

He also wanted to stop any one country from controlling China’s trade and land.

I learned

The Open Door Policy was the U.S. plan to keep China’s trade fair for everyone.

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Ratification of the 18th Amendment- January 16, 1919

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Ratification of the 18th Amendment- January 16, 1919

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This photo depicts riots of the American people towards the 18th amendment

This event occurred on January 16, 1919

What happened was that the ratification of the 18th Amendment caused a prohibition of alcohol

It took one year for the ratification to be applied

It is important because this brought upon the prohibition era in the United States

It is also important because it ultimately led to the rise of organized crime

Primary source (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/amendments-11-27))

Author

Wayne Wheeler of the anti-saloon League drafted the 18th amendment

He was the leader of the anti-saloon league and was also an attorney

Main idea

This amendment basically prohibited anything that had to do with alcohol

While the prohibition of alcohol may have had good intentions, it ended up with more cons than pros

What I learned

The purpose of this amendment was to prohibit alcohol, but it ended up being controversial.

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Ratification of The 19th Amendment (1920)

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Ratification of The 19th Amendment (1920)

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Explanation of Image:

This is an image of a newspaper talking about the 50-year struggle for women ending with a victory. And that victory is them being able to vote.

When:

The 19th Amendment was passed through Congress in 1919 of June and was ratified in August of 1920.

What:

Toward the beginning of the 1800s, women organized petitions that were for the goal of achieving the right to vote.

Between 1878, the 19th Amendment was first introduced in Congress.

Beginning in the mid-19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience

Why:

The 19th Amendment is a significant part of history because it granted women the right to vote.

Additionally, it also makes it illegal to deny anyone the right to vote based on their gender.

Primary Sources:

Library of Congress - Letter from Susan B. Anthony to Adelaide Johnson discussing women ministers and Johnson's sculpture memorializing prominent suffragists, 8 February 1896

Susan B. Anthony

American women's Rights Activist

Fought for the abolition of Slavery

Main Idea

In this letter, Adelaide Johnson challenged gender norms through her marriage as well as Susan's supported.

It also showed tensions within the women's right movement.

Key Ideas

Both Susan and Adelaide disagreed over whether the statue should be in the capital

The sculptures created a bust of women rights leader.

I learned that within the Women's Suffrage Movement had some conflicts within the suffrage movement.

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Ratification of The 19th Amendment (1920)

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https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/panama-canal#:~:text=the%20full%20notice.-,Building%20the%20Panama%20Canal%2C%201903%E2%80%931914,the%20Atlantic%20and%20Pacific%20coasts.

The Panama Canal was built from 1903 to 1914.

The U.S. helped Panama break away from Colombia to build the canal.

Workers faced many problems like deadly diseases, like yellow fever and malaria.

The canal made travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans much faster.

The Panama Canal made trade and travel much faster, helping the economy grow. It also gave the U.S. more power in world affairs. Today, the canal is still used a lot, but water shortages make it harder to operate.

The photo shows how hard the workers' jobs were. They had to deal with heat, disease, and tough conditions while building the canal.

Primary source: https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/january-8-1906-message-regarding-panama-canal

Author

The author is Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States.

Known for his leadership during the Progressive Era and his role in expanding U.S. influence globally.

Main Idea

Roosevelt talks about how important the Panama Canal is for trade and military power.

He defends the U.S. controlling the project and supporting Panama’s independence.

I learned

Roosevelt believed the Panama Canal was key to U.S. military power, trade, and global influence.

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In a quest to fulfill a centuries-old dream to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the builders of the Panama Canal quickly learned that the construction of a waterway across a narrow ribbon of land looked easier on a map than in reality. The Panamanian isthmus proved to be one of the most difficult-and deadly-spots in the world in which to construct a channel. The builders of the passage attempted to re-engineer the natural landscape, but nature didn't give up without a fight.

Construction crews literally had to move mountains in a snake-infested jungle with an average temperature of 80 degrees and 105 inches of rainfall a year. In the wet season, torrential downpours transformed the flood-prone Chagres River into raging rapids and soaked workers. "Sometimes you didn't see sun for about two straight weeks," recalled laborer Rufus Forde. "In the morning you had to put your clothes on damp. There was no sun to dry them."

Death could strike in the form of an 18-ton boulder or miniscule, malaria-carrying mosquitoes that bred by the millions in festering swamps and puddles. Over the span of more than three decades, at least 25,000 workers died in the construction of the Panama Canal. "The working condition in those days were so horrible it would stagger your imagination," recalled laborer Alfred Dottin. "Death was our constant companion. I shall never forget the train loads of dead men being carted away daily, as if they were just so much lumber."
READ MORE: 7 Fascinating Facts About the Panama Canal
A French Attempt Ends in Death and Failure

A French venture started construction of the Panama Canal in 1881. Seeking to duplicate his success in leading the construction of the Suez Canal, French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps found that building a 51-mile sea-level canal through Panama's mountainous jungle would be far more difficult than a 120-mile passage through the flat Egyptian desert.

Ceaseless rains triggered mudslides that buried workers alive. Floods swept away construction equipment. On top of everything, an earthquake rocked the country, and fire destroyed the city of Colón when a civil war ignited. "There is too much water, the rocks are exceedingly hard, the soil is very hilly and the climate is deadly. The country is literally poisoned," complained senior French engineer Adolphe Godin de Lépinay.

Outbreaks of dysentery and epidemics of yellow fever and malaria decimated the workforce. An estimated three-quarters of the French engineers who joined Lesseps in Panama died within three months of arriving. A Canadian doctor estimated that between 30 and 40 workers a day died during the wet seasons in 1882 and 1883, writes author Matthew Parker in Panama Fever.

By the time France abandoned the project in 1888, accidents and disease had claimed the lives of a staggering 20,000 laborers, according to the U.S. State Department. Most of the dead hailed from Caribbean islands such as Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica.
WATCH: Full episodes of The Engineering That Built the World online now.
The United States Restarts Canal Construction

Sixteen years after the French venture went bankrupt, an ascendant United States restarted work on the partially excavated ditch. The Americans encountered many of the same obstacles as the French in the project's first year as yellow fever and malaria killed hundreds of workers. As death pervaded the canal zone, downtrodden chief engineer John Findley Wallace made plans for his return trip home-by importing a metal coffin. By June 1905, three-quarters of the original American contingent had fled. Wallace followed suit and returned to the United States with his metal coffin-occupied by the corpse of one of his workers.

Wallace's successor, John F. Stevens, emphasized the work undertaken by chief sanitary officer William Crawford Gorgas. For centuries, it was thought that filth, rotting garbage and airborne bacteria released from tropical soil caused yellow fever and malaria (derived from the Italian for "bad air"). A yellow fever survivor, Gorgas was among the doctors whose research pinpointed the role played by mosquitoes in spreading tropical diseases.

Spearheading a massive public health campaign in the canal zone, Gorgas ordered the fumigation of homes, the drainage of pools of water and the attachment of screens to windows and gutters. To smother mosquito larvae, health officials sprayed crude oil mixed with kerosene in water sources and puddles. Thanks to those efforts, yellow fever cases on the isthmus were largely eradicated by the end of 1905. Although case numbers dropped, malaria proved more stubborn. Sanitary inspector Joseph Le Prince estimated that 80 percent of the workforce was hospitalized at some point during 1906 for malaria. Still, Gorgas is credited with saving tens of thousands of lives.
WATCH: Panama Canal Locks
Accidents Abound in the Culebra Cut

With the yellow fever threat abating, accidents replaced disease as the largest cause of death in the canal zone in 1909. The most dangerous work took place as laborers carved a ditch 45 feet deep and at least 300 feet wide through an eight-mile mountainous stretch known as the Culebra Cut.

Nicknamed "Hell's Gorge," the Culebra Cut was a cauldron of noise with roaring locomotives and belching steam shovels where risks of death ranged from drowning to electrocution. Workers blasted away at the mountains with upwards of 6 0 million pounds of dynamite, which could ignite prematurely in the tropical Panamanian climate. Excavating machines also detonated unexploded charges as was the case in a December 1908 accident that killed 23 men.

Flooding regularly submerged equipment, and the unstable ground could give way at any instance. "The work of months or even years might be blotted out by an avalanche of earth," lamented a senior U.S. administrator.

Particularly for workers partially deafened as a side effect of drinking quinine to ward off malaria, the inability to hear made deadly railroad accidents a regular occurrence. In an oral history, George Hodges remembered a fellow worker who fell trying to hop on a train and the wheel of another train "cut his body right in two...as if he had been chopped with a machete."

Laborer Antonio Sanchez said work in the cut was like "going to a battlefield." With workers suffering gruesome injuries, some of which required amputation, hospitals in the canal zone resembled those in a war zone. So many Panama Canal workers were maimed during the construction that artificial limb makers competed for highly coveted contracts with the canal builders. One such manufacturer, A.A. Marks, boasted that its waterproof arms and legs were "most suited to the climate and conditions of the locality" and the "only kind manufactured that would meet the demands" of injured workers who returned to the job on the Panama Canal.

Between 1904 and the end of construction in 1913, the United States recorded the deaths of 5,855 canal workers. When combined with the deaths from the French venture, Parker estimates it amounted to 500 lives lost for each mile of the canal.

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Why the Construction of the Panama Canal Was So Difficult-and Deadly | HISTORY

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In a quest to fulfill a centuries-old dream to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the builders of the Panama Canal quickly learned that the construction of a waterway across a narrow ribbon of land looked easier on a map than in reality.