Central African Republic Airport Captured (and Presidential Residences)

abcnews ^ | March 15, 2003

[Beck_isright]

Mind you during that time period, we wanted to test out our "Great White Fleet" of the modernized US Navy and to do so, we picked a fight with Spain to free the people of Cuba. We wanted colonies as did Germany and every one of the newly industrialized nations (Japan also). We wanted Pacific bases and the Carribbean cleared of Spanish influence. After winning the war we imposed the Gitmo treaty on the Cuban government (our puppets in all reality) and occupied Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In the Pacific, besides the Phillippines, we got Guam, Wake, and some other smaller islands. Shortly after that we created the Panama Canal Zone which was nothing more than a military colony to keep the canal safe (and thanks to the socialist James Earl Carter, now a Chinese base). Read up on the history of Cuba and the banana wars throughout Central America from post WWI to WWII. We were a colonial power, but after WWII, realized the folly in this way of thinking. It's too bad the frogs never have and to this day still hold colonies in the Carribbean and South America.

[Indy Pendance]

Like I stated, I'm really weak in this area. Do you have sites that can give me more background info? I'd really apprieciate it. I just haven't had the time to research properly, and a couple good starting points would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your reply though. I feel stupid because I can't debate or discuss this with you further in a logical manner until I have better background data. So much world history, so little time..... (don't you just love history and how it all plays to the present?)

[cajungirl]

Interesting subject. Louisiana is sort of a former french colony with brief rule by the Spanish. And for political corruption, bribery, alcoholism, seedy business practices, we are second to none. I always thought Louisiana was more like the Caribbean than the US, sans the charm!

[Beck_isright]

History, specifically Middle Eastern history and political science, was my major before I joined the Army in 87. I'll dig up a few sites for you and pvt mail them to you tommorrow when I get a chance. Have a good evening! FReegards

[Indy Pendance]

Thanks, I studied Russian history as a minor, but industrial engineering is my BS degree. I'm holding my own on Middle eastern history, it's the Carribean history you referenced in post #21 regarding Puerto Rico, et al that I haven't a grasp on as much as I'd like. Any reference to that would be great. Again, thanks so much!