Changes

In 1867, the U.S. purchased [[Alaska]] from [[Russia]]. It became a state in 1960.

In 1867, the U.S. purchased [[Alaska]] from [[Russia]]. It became a state in 1960.

Hawaii became an independent republic in 1894 and voluntarily joined the U.S. in 1898, becoming a state in 1960.  

Hawaii became an independent republic in 1894 after the native Kingdom of Hawai'i was overthrown by white plantation owners, and this republic voted to become a U.S. territory in 1898, later becoming a state in 1960.  

As a result of the [[Spanish-American War]], in which the United States took control of the [[Philippines]] and annexed [[Puerto Rico]] and [[Guam]].  The Phillipines became independent in 1946, after the U.S. reconquered the islands from Japan in World War II. [[Puerto Rico]] has occasionally held referenda that ratified its continuing unique "Commonwealth" status as part of the United States.  The residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens.  Guam continues as a U.S. owned territory with full citizenship for its inhabitants. The people of Puerto Rico and Guam have a vote in presidential primaries and a voice, but not a vote, in Congress.

As a result of the [[Spanish-American War]], in which the United States took control of the [[Philippines]] and annexed [[Puerto Rico]] and [[Guam]].  The Phillipines became independent in 1946, after the U.S. reconquered the islands from Japan in World War II. [[Puerto Rico]] has occasionally held referenda that ratified its continuing unique "Commonwealth" status as part of the United States.  The residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens.  Guam continues as a U.S. owned territory with full citizenship for its inhabitants. The people of Puerto Rico and Guam have a vote in presidential primaries and a voice, but not a vote, in Congress.