Modern Era (1946 - present) A scene from "Capture of Trenches at Candaba" MPEG Format (7.7 MB) Help With Video Credits President Nixon Goes to China February 21, 1972 The U.S. wanted to prevent the division and control of China by Russia, France, Germany, and Great Britain. In 1899 and 1900, the U.S. established the Open Door Policy, which ensured that all nations had equal trading privileges with China. The U.S. was able to make this policy because it had become an important power in the Pacific after its victory in the Spanish-American War in 1898. In this film, made by Thomas Edison's film company, you can see a reenactment of a battle from the Spanish-American War. Does it look authentic? page 3 of 3 Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us VIDEO CREDIT: White, James H., producer; Thomas A. Edison, Inc. "Capture of Trenches at Candaba." June 10.1899. The Spanish-American War in Motion Pictures, Library of Congress.