Final Exam Timeline by Jacob James

The Spanish-American War (April 21, 1898 – December 10, 1898)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 21:47:25 UTC

After the United States openly supported Cuba's fight for independence from Spain and the unexplained explosion of the USS Maine that occurred in Havana Harbor, the U.S. declared war on Spain. The ensuing conflict was brief, lasting only a few months, but resulted in American victory. As a result, the U.S. acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as territories.

This is a major event in showing the rise of the United States as a world power. It shows

U.S dominance by taking victory in an overseas conflict and acquiring territories, showing imperialistic power.

U.S. Entry into World War I (April 6, 1917-November 11, 1918)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 22:52:25 UTC

The United States entered the ongoing First World War on April 6th, 1917, fueled by Germany's attacks on American merchant ships and the Zimmerman telegraph, which was a secret proposal to Mexico from Germany to form an alliance against the United States.

The United States' Economic and industrial strength changed the game in terms of securing the Victory against the Central Powers, and the League of Nations was drafted in hopes of forming international relationships, showing the U.S. becoming more of a dominant power

The Roaring Twenties (1920s)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 23:05:23 UTC

Driven by industrial power and technological innovation, the Roaring Twenties were a period of unprecedented economic prosperity in the United States that gave rise to sweeping cultural, political, and social transformations.

This era highlighted America’s ascent as a world power: by the late 1920s, the United States had become the wealthiest nation per capita and wielded its influence to shape global affairs.

U.S. Entry into World War II (December 8th 1941)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 23:29:10 UTC

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the very next day, the United States declared war on Japan. In response, Japan's allies in the Axis Powers declared war on the U.S., prompting America to enter WWII

This showed America's determination to fight back on a global stage and get justice against Japan for the Pearl Harbor attacks, This foreshadows a post-WWII superpower America where war is declared immediately in retaliation for those who do wrong by the United States.

D-Day Invasion (June 6, 1944)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 23:37:34 UTC

This seaborne Invasion led by the General Dwight D. Eisenhower of the United states on nazi occupied Normandy France helped free western europe from nazi rule and helped allies advance into occupied areas.

This attack showed America as a crucial military power on its own, and when in collaboration with other allied forces

Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ( August 6-9, 1945)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-28 23:50:54 UTC

The United States developed the first Atomic bomb and dropped it on Hiroshima, Japan, on augst 6th, 1945, resulting in approximately 80,00 immediate deaths. On August 9th, the United States dropped another atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki, resulting in approximately 40,00 immediate deaths. Japan announced its surrender on August 15, 194,5, ending WWII.

WWII gave the U.S a chance to become a military superpower, taking charge throughout the war and in developing atomic weapons to end the war. Post-war America was the only nuclear superpower at the time, giving the U.S. power through intimidation of other countries

The Cold War ( March 4th, 1947- December 26, 1991)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-29 00:27:52 UTC

The Cold War was an era of international political tension between the United States and the soviet union post World War 2. It involved ideological and great power rivalry, a nuclear arms race, and a space race, rather than actual military conflict. After the fall of the soviet union in 1991, the United States solidified itself as the dominant world superpower.

Because of the Cold War and other factors, the U.S. committed itself to global anti-communism. This only boosted the image and power of the U.S as the dominant world superpower and an international ally of democracy and free trade

Vietnam War Escalation (November 1, 1963- April 30,1965)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-29 00:46:18 UTC

The Vietnam War was a lengthy conflict between North Vietnam, a communist region, supported by the Soviet Union and other communist countries at the time, and South Vietnam, backed by the United States and other anti-communist allies. The U.S. became involved to stand ground on its Cold War international communism containment policy and prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. Despite significant military efforts, the war ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975, leading to the unification of Vietnam under communist control. The war had negative impacts on the U.S, including the loss of over 58,000 Americans, widespread destruction in Vietnam, and deep social divisions within American society.

Despite being unsuccessful, the U.S engagement in Vietnam showed the world the power and great lengths America would go to maintain its position as the dominant global superpower and its mission to stop communist expansion

Operation Desert Storm (August 2, 1990- February 28, 1991)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-29 00:51:55 UTC

The Persian Gulf War was a conflict triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein. Iraq aimed to acquire Kuwait's oil reserves, cancel the debt owed, and expand regional power. In response, the U.S. launched Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991, initiating a massive air campaign followed by a swift ground assault. The war concluded on February 28, 1991, with the liberation of Kuwait.

This event once again showed the United States military's dominance and its commitment to defending international law and regional stability.

The war on terror (September 11, 2001-present day)

skeeball644 — 2025-04-29 00:52:49 UTC

The United States led the war on terror after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which killed nearly 3,000 people. It began with the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power for harboring the terrorists responsible for 9/11. In 2003, the U.S. also invaded Iraq, citing the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and the need to remove Saddam Hussein from power, although no WMDs were ultimately found.

The War on Terror helped define the United States as the most dominant world superpower of the 21st century, emphasizing military strength, anti-terrorism efforts, and the promotion of democracy. America's economic power and global influence were strengthened as a result, reinforcing its position as a leading force in world affairs. While the War on Terror showcased America's military capabilities, it also highlighted its global leadership, even though the long-term consequences of these conflicts remain debated.