The Hay-Pauncefote Treaties give the United States exclusive control over the construction and management of any future isthmian canal in Central America.
Madame C. J. Walker begins selling cosmetics and hair treatment systems to African-American women; her business eventually makes her America’s first female self-made millionaire.
The first of a series of conservative Christian tracts called The Fundamentals is published. The books, which reject a scientific view of the world, particularly the theory of evolution, are enormously popular.
With the Currency Act of 1900, the United States officially returns to the gold standard.
The Foraker Act of 1900 creates a civil government for U. S.-controlled Puerto Rico.
Susan B. Anthony’s handpicked successor, Carrie Chapman Catt, becomes president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Harry Houdini begins performing his spectacular escapes.
After the failed antiforeigner Boxer Rebellion in China, the United States and European powers agree to equal access to the nation’s markets with the Open Door Policy.
The General Electric Company creates a lab in Schenectady, New York, devoted exclusively to scientific research. America’s first corporate research and development facility, it sees the development of numerous profitable inventions, including the incandescent light bulb, the vacuum tube, and the X-ray machine.
Republican William McKinley is reelected over Democrat William Jennings Bryan.
World History
