The Spanish-American War was the clash between the United States and the Spanish Kingdom. The war started when Cuba wanted independence from Spain. Spain’s attempts to layoff the rebellion were addressed in the United States newspapers. Their curiosity sparked. After the anonymous sinking of the USS Maine in Cuba in Havana Harbor, United States’ intervention became a popular and growing command. The War ended when America gained possession of territories in the Western Pacific and North America. The Spanish-American War changed the countries involved into what they are today.
Cuba was one of the first countries affected by the Spanish-American War. In 1868 until 1878, Cubans personified by guerrilla fighters, known as mambises, fought for autonomy of Spain(1). President William McKinley declared War on Spain on April 25, 1898 (2). Cuba was led by General William Shafter and …show more content…
If it were not for them, the Spanish-American War would never have happened. The Spanish-American War was started when the United States declared war on Spain when Spain did not give independence to its countries they ruled. The United States joined with the rebels and fought with Spain to give the countries the independence and peace they deserved. Since the Spaniards greatly outnumbered the Americans, they thought for sure they were going to win and keep their countries in their hands. Unfortunately for Spain, their troops surrendered to the Americans. On December 10, 1898, representatives from both the United States and Spain signed a peace treaty. After this treaty was signed, Cuba gained its independence and Puerto Rico and Guam were handed over. Though, the United States had to pay $20 million to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain. Spain would not have been able to be a part of the Spanish-American War if it were not for the guidance of their leader, Praxedes Mateo