The Treaty of Paris of 1898 marked the end of the Spanish-American War. The treaty was signed on December 10, 1898, by representatives of Spain and the United States.
The Treaty consisted of seventeen articles, each addressing different issues. Let’s take a closer look at what the Treaty of Paris 1898 said.
Background
Before we delve into the specifics of the Treaty, let’s first understand why it was necessary. The Spanish-American War lasted from April to August 1898.
It began after the United States demanded Cuba’s independence from Spain and Spain refused. The United States ultimately won the war, and as a result, Spain ceded control over several territories.
Territorial Cessions
The most significant aspect of the Treaty was that it resulted in Spain ceding control over several territories to the United States. These territories included Puerto Rico, Guam and most significantly, the Philippines.
Puerto Rico: Under Article II of the Treaty, Spain gave up its claim to Puerto Rico and ceded it to the United States.
Guam: Under Article III, Spain ceded Guam to the United States without conditions.
The Philippines: The most controversial aspect of the Treaty was that it granted full sovereignty over the Philippines to America under Article III. This decision sparked outrage in both countries and initiated a period known as Philippine-American War (1899-1902).
Cuba
Article I recognized Cuba as an independent state but made no provisions for American ownership or control over Cuba.
Compensation
Under Article IV, America agreed to pay $20 million dollars to Spain for its territorial losses in Puerto Rico and Guam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Treaty of Paris was significant because it marked an important milestone in American history, as it marked the emergence of the United States as a world power. The treaty granted America control over territories outside of North America and marked a significant shift in American foreign policy. Although it was not without controversy, the Treaty of Paris remains an important historical event that shaped the course of American history.