Spanish American War | History, Facts

 Spanish American War

Spanish American war(Getty)

In 1898, Spain and the United States engaged in a conflict known as the Spanish-American War, which centered primarily around Cuba's independence as a Spanish colony. The United States declared war on Spain in April of that year, leading to the rapid defeat of the Spanish fleet in the Philippines by the U.S. Navy, commanded by Admiral George Dewey. Subsequently, the U.S. Army invaded Cuba and defeated the Spanish forces after a brief but fierce ground campaign. The war concluded in December 1898 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, granting Cuba independence from Spain and transferring control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.

The Spanish-American War served as a pivotal moment in U.S. history, signifying the rise of the United States as a global power and the end of Spanish rule in the Americas. The war's aftermath also triggered significant political debates within the United States about its role in world affairs and the establishment of an American empire.

Spanish American War History

The Spanish-American War occurred in 1898, and it was a military conflict between Spain and the United States. The main cause of the war was the issue of Cuban independence, as Cuba was then a colony of Spain. The war began in April 1898, following the declaration of war by the United States against Spain.

Spanish American war history(Getty)

During the war, the U.S. Navy, under the leadership of Admiral George Dewey, achieved a significant victory over the Spanish fleet in the Philippines. Additionally, the U.S. Army invaded Cuba and defeated the Spanish forces after a brief but intense ground campaign. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, marked the end of the war. The treaty granted Cuba its independence from Spain and transferred control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.

The Spanish-American War is considered a significant turning point in U.S. history because it marked the rise of the United States as a global power and the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas. The war also triggered intense political debates in the United States about the country's role in international affairs and the establishment of an American empire.

In the aftermath of the war, the United States annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while Cuba became a protectorate of the United States until it gained full independence in 1902. The war marked the beginning of a new era of expansionism and imperialism for the United States, as the country sought to extend its influence and control over territories beyond its borders.

How did the Spanish-American War end

On December 10, 1898, the Spanish-American War was concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris between Spain and the United States. Spain relinquished control of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the United States, while Cuba was granted independence from Spain. However, the United States kept a military presence in Cuba until 1902. The treaty marked the end of Spain's colonial empire and was a defining moment for the United States, as it established the country as a prominent global power.

Effects of the Spanish-American War

In 1898, there was a military engagement between Spain and the United States known as the Spanish-American War. The war had a number of significant effects, both in the United States and around the world. Some of the major effects of the Spanish-American War include:

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Acquisition of overseas territories: The United States emerged as a colonial power following the war, and acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as territories.

Increased global influence: The United States' victory in the war demonstrated its military power and marked its emergence as a global power.

End of Spanish colonialism: The Spanish-American War marked the end of Spain's colonial empire, and led to the independence of Cuba.

Expansion of American military and naval power: The United States expanded its military and naval capabilities as a result of the war, and began to project its power beyond its borders.

Debate over imperialism: The acquisition of overseas territories led to a debate within the United States over the merits of imperialism, with some arguing that it was necessary to maintain American influence and power, while others argued that it went against American values and principles.

Rise of Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Roosevelt, who had served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy during the war, emerged as a national hero and went on to become President of the United States.

Overall, the Spanish-American War had far-reaching effects on the United States and the world, and marked a significant turning point in American history.

Who Won the Spanish-American War

In 1898, the United States and Spain engaged in the Spanish-American War, which primarily centered around Cuba's bid for freedom from Spanish colonialism. Ultimately, the United States emerged as the victor, resulting in an expansion of its global influence through the acquisition of territories including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war concluded on December 10, 1898, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which granted Cuba its independence and saw Spain relinquish its hold over Cuba while ceding control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. As a result, the United States was declared the winner of the Spanish-American War.

What territories did the U.S. gain from the Spanish-American War

The United States gained several territories as a result of the Spanish-American War, which was fought between April and August of 1898. These territories included:

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Puerto Rico:   

Guam:  

Philippines:   

Cuba:   

Overall, the Spanish-American War significantly expanded U.S. influence and territory, marking a turning point in the country's emergence as a global power.

what happened to cuba after the spanish-american war

Following the Spanish-American War, Cuba was made a protectorate of the United States through the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Until 1902, the US military government was in control of Cuba until it gained independence and became a republic. Despite this, the US still exerted its influence over Cuban affairs using various political and economic methods, including the Platt Amendment of 1901 which granted the US the power to intervene in Cuban affairs to maintain "peace, law, and order."

During this time, Cuba underwent significant changes with heavy investments made by the US in the country's infrastructure and economy, particularly in sugar production. However, the US also held control over Cuba's politics and economy, which resulted in resentment among the Cuban population.

In the years that followed, Cuba experienced political instability and corruption, ultimately leading to the 1959 Cuban Revolution headed by Fidel Castro. The revolution overthrew the US-supported government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista and established a socialist state with strong ties to the Soviet Union. The US responded with a trade embargo and various efforts to overthrow the Cuban government, including the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

Presently, Cuba remains a socialist state despite undergoing significant economic reforms in recent years. The country is faced with various challenges including economic stagnation, political oppression, and an aging population.