Brief+Background+on+Spanish-American+War

The Philippines Home Page - President McKinley's Decision and Effect - Imperialism in the Philippines - Independence Years - Works Consulted

=//__Brief Background Information on the Spanish-American War and the Countries Involved__//=


 * Cuba****:** As more countries under Spanish rule were freed, [|Cuba] fought longer and harder for their own independence, for ten years.


 * Puerto Rico****:** Through the 1880s and 1890s, a great variety of political parties started to form among the Puerto Ricans. Some of these parties encouraged independence for the island, while others longed for the United States to be their ally in their quest for freedom. Spain finally liberated Puerto Rico on November 25, 1897, although the Puerto Ricans were not aware of their independence until January of 1898, where a new government was produced in February 12 1898.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/344845/2/istockphoto_344845_cuba_flag_vector.jpg


 * The United States:** The United States were always interested in acquiring Cuba, especially for their sugar needs, even before 1898. Huge expanses of land were purchased in Cuba and a sugar tariff was soon underway so by then, the U.S. had $50 million invested in Cuba and it's trade. However, the conflict was growing in Cuba, especially when the population was forced to move into more central locations where they would be over seed by Spanish troops. It was then that [|President Cleveland] decided that the U.S.should involve themselves in the situation if Spain doesn't end their conflict with Cub. Soon after, President McKinley became stepped into office around the same time when the U.S.S.Maine exploded. Following the explosion, it was determined by the U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry that the ship blown up from a mine. On April 21, 1898, a blockade was created against Cuba, although only a couple days later did the United States declare war.


 * Result of the [|Spanish American War]:** In the end, on December 10, 1898, Spain and the United States created a treaty in Paris. Through the Treaty of Paris, Cuba was given it's independence, Puerto Rico and Guam were given to U.S. and Spain offered the Philippines to the United States for $20 million, who agreed to fulfill the purchase.