The Spanish-American War Changed America's Role In The World

The Spanish-American War, although short, changed America’s role in the world significantly. The Spanish-American War was another situation in U.S history where the United States had stepped in to aid other countries in need. The Spanish-American war was not just about the Cubans, it was about expanding America’s resources, trade, and keeping up with other countries by taking territories. After the Spanish-American War the United States was recognized as an imperial power.

The Spanish-American War was a four month war that began over Cuba’s hope for independence; America didn’t anticipate gaining much from entering into the conflict. “At war's end, America emerged victorious with newly acknowledged respect as a world power.” (u-s-history.com) The Treaty of Paris was signed by all countries involved in the Spanish-American War on December10, 1898. The treaty proclaimed that the United States, “renounced all claim to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States, and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000.” (history.com) The Treaty of Paris was heavily favored toward the United States, while the only thing Spain received was the $20,000,000 purchase of the Philippine Islands.

The Filipino people demanded their independence from the United States. America, trying to keep control of their war winnings, went to battle with the Filipino people. The Philippines lost and America remained in control of them until After World War II. The transferring of the Philippines to the United States was opposed by most U.S citizens because the consent of the Filipino people wasn’t given before the deal was made. While all U.S citizens agreed that the ceding of Guam and Puerto Rico was a win because it had economic value for the United