Reading in Philippine History: Spanish-American War and Treaty of Paris

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms, figures, events, and concepts surrounding the Spanish–American War, the Battle of Manila Bay, the Treaty of Paris, and their impact on Philippine history.

Spanish–American War (1898)

A conflict fought between Spain and the United States from April 25 to August 12, 1898, triggered by events in Cuba, which ended Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines and initiated American expansion in the region.

José Martí

The leader of the Cuban independence movement who led Cubans in their struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule.

Concentration Camps (Spanish–American War context)

Designated locations where Spain forced Cuban civilians to reside during the revolt, causing many deaths due to disease, hunger, and poor living conditions.

Yellow Journalism

A style of reporting in which American newspapers published exaggerated stories detailing Spanish cruelty to sway public opinion and mobilize American support for war.

De Lôme Letter

A document written by the Spanish ambassador that contained criticisms of U.S. President William McKinley, thereby escalating diplomatic tensions between Spain and the United States.

USS Maine Explosion

An incident on February 15, 1898, in Havana Harbor where an explosion destroyed the USS Maine, killing 266 American sailors and leading many Americans to blame Spain.

American Imperialism

The expansion of United States political, economic, and military power over other nations and foreign territories to increase global power and secure overseas trade.

Battle of Manila Bay

A decisive naval battle on May 1, 1898, where the American navy destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, giving the United States control over a strategic port in Southeast Asia.

George Dewey

The leader of the American navy who successfully led the fleet that defeated the Spanish navy during the Battle of Manila Bay.

Patricio Montojo

The leader of the Spanish navy whose fleet was defeated and mostly destroyed by American forces during the Battle of Manila Bay.

General Emilio Aguinaldo

The leader of the Filipino revolutionary forces who returned from exile in Hong Kong with American assistance to reorganize Filipino forces and resume fighting against Spain.

Treaty of Paris (1898)

An agreement signed on December 10, 1898, that officially concluded the Spanish–American War, ending over 333 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.

Territorial Provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1898)

Under the treaty, Spain recognized Cuba's independence, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S., and transferred ownership of the Philippines to the United States for $20 million.

Self-Determination

The fundamental right of a people to govern themselves, which was violated when the Philippines was transferred from Spanish to American control without Filipino consent.

Philippine–American War (1899–1902)

An armed struggle that broke out after many Filipinos rejected American annexation and refused to accept U.S. colonial control following the Treaty of Paris.