U.S. Imperialism and the Spanish-American War

Treaty of Paris (1898)

Treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, signed on December 10, 1898. It resulted in Spain relinquishing control of the Philippines, Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the United States.

Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

Armed conflict between the United States and Filipino insurgents following the U.S. acquisition of the Philippines. It began in February 1899 and officially ended in 1902.

Teller Amendment (1898)

Passed by the U.S. Congress in 1898, it promised that the U.S. would not annex Cuba, allowing for its independence after the Spanish-American War.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power by acquiring territories or colonies, which became a major topic in U.S. foreign policy after the Spanish-American War.

Anti-Imperialist League (1898)

Founded in 1898 to oppose U.S. imperialism, particularly in the Philippines. This league grew in influence, especially among women.

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the U.S. has a unique mission to spread democracy and liberty, which was one of the driving ideologies behind U.S. imperialism in the late 19th century.

Battle of Manila (1898)

The May 1, 1898 naval battle where U.S. Admiral George Dewey decisively defeated the Spanish fleet, leading to U.S. control of Manila and the Philippines.

Mock Battle of Manila (1898)

A staged event where the Spanish forces 'surrendered' to the United States, with the Filipinos being excluded from the city's capture.

U.S. Acquisition of the Philippines (1898)

The Philippines were ceded to the U.S. by Spain in the Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, which marked the beginning of American colonial rule.

Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902)

Filipino resistance to U.S. colonial rule following the acquisition of the Philippines in 1898. The war began in February 1899 and ended in 1902.

Cuban Independence (1898)

Cuba was granted independence following the Spanish-American War under the Teller Amendment (1898), with U.S. military presence continuing until 1902.

Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)

An influential anti-imperialist group during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly vocal about U.S. actions in the Philippines during 1899-1900.

Spanish-American War (1898)

Conflict between Spain and the United States, lasting from April 21, 1898, to August 12, 1898, which resulted in the U.S. defeating Spain and acquiring several of its territories.

U.S. Senate Ratification of the Treaty of Paris (1899)

The U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris on February 6, 1899, marking the official end of the Spanish-American War and the start of U.S. colonial rule over the Philippines.

Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

Filipino insurgents led by Emilio Aguinaldo fought against U.S. forces after the U.S. took control of the Philippines. The war began in February 1899 and officially ended in 1902.

Cuban Independence (1898)

The Teller Amendment ensured Cuba's independence from the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, officially recognizing Cuban sovereignty.

Mock Battle of Manila (1898)

A staged event where the Spanish raised the white flag and surrendered to the U.S. on August 13, 1898, while Filipino forces were kept out of the city, leading to a strategic and symbolic U.S. victory.

Emilio Aguinaldo

Leader of the Filipino insurgents, who fought for Philippine independence against both Spain and the United States. He declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898, but continued to resist U.S. rule until 1902.

Admiral George Dewey

U.S. naval officer who led the victory at the Battle of Manila on May 1, 1898, and played a key role in the U.S. defeat of Spain during the Spanish-American War.

William McKinley

U.S. President from 1897 to 1901, during the Spanish-American War and the subsequent annexation of the Philippines. He supported U.S. imperialism and the acquisition of the Philippines.

Theodore Roosevelt

U.S. political leader and future President. As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he played a role in advocating for the Spanish-American War in 1898 and later supported imperialism as President.

Maximo Gómez

Cuban general who fought for Cuban independence from Spain. After the war, in 1898, he was involved in negotiations with the U.S. to ensure Cuban independence, unlike the Filipinos, who were not promised the same.

Ambrose Bierce

American writer and critic who strongly opposed U.S. imperialism, particularly the annexation of the Philippines. He expressed his views in writings during 1898-1899.

Andrew Carnegie

Industrial magnate who opposed U.S. imperialism and offered to pay the U.S. $20 million to grant the Philippines independence. He petitioned against the ratification of the Treaty of Paris in 1899.

Grover Cleveland

Former U.S. President who opposed U.S. imperialism, particularly in the Philippines, and joined Andrew Carnegie in petitioning the Senate to reject the Treaty of Paris in 1899.

William Jennings Bryan

A prominent anti-imperialist leader and presidential candidate who strongly opposed U.S. imperialism in the Philippines, leading the charge against the Treaty of Paris in the Senate debates.

April 21, 1898

U.S. declares war on Spain, beginning the Spanish-American War.

May 1, 1898

Battle of Manila, U.S. defeats the Spanish fleet.

June 12, 1898

Emilio Aguinaldo declares Philippine independence.

August 13, 1898

Mock Battle of Manila and U.S. control of the city.

December 10, 1898

Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the Spanish-American War.

February 6, 1899

U.S. Senate ratifies the Treaty of Paris, formalizing the acquisition of the Philippines.

February 1899

Beginning of the Philippine-American War, as U.S. and Filipino forces clash.

1902

Official end of the Philippine-American War, with the surrender of Filipino insurgents.