key term - Treaty of Paris 1898

Definition

The Treaty of Paris 1898 was an agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, marking a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy and territorial expansion. It resulted in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, while Cuba gained its independence, fundamentally altering the dynamics of power in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The treaty was signed on December 10, 1898, following a swift military victory for the U.S. over Spain during the Spanish-American War.
2. Under the terms of the treaty, the United States paid Spain $20 million for the Philippines, raising questions about the future of American imperialism.
3. Cuba was granted independence as part of the treaty, although U.S. influence over Cuban affairs continued through mechanisms like the Platt Amendment.
4. The acquisition of Guam and Puerto Rico expanded U.S. territories significantly, allowing for greater naval presence and influence in both the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
5. The Treaty of Paris 1898 set a precedent for U.S. intervention in foreign conflicts and marked the beginning of a more assertive American foreign policy.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Paris 1898 reshape U.S. territorial holdings and influence in global affairs?
  • The Treaty of Paris 1898 significantly reshaped U.S. territorial holdings by transferring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain to the United States. This expansion not only increased America's territories but also its influence in both the Caribbean and Pacific regions. By gaining these territories, the U.S. positioned itself as an emerging global power and altered its role from isolationism towards more active involvement in international politics.
• Evaluate the implications of Cuba's independence as established by the Treaty of Paris 1898, particularly concerning U.S.-Cuba relations.
  • Cuba's independence established by the Treaty of Paris 1898 came with significant implications for U.S.-Cuba relations. Although Cuba was recognized as independent, the U.S. retained considerable control over its foreign policy through interventions like the Platt Amendment. This created a complicated relationship where Cuba operated as a nominally independent nation but remained heavily influenced by U.S. interests, reflecting broader themes of American imperialism.
• Analyze how the Treaty of Paris 1898 marked a shift in American foreign policy from isolationism to imperialism and its long-term effects.
  • The Treaty of Paris 1898 marked a crucial shift in American foreign policy from a traditionally isolationist stance to one that embraced imperialism. By acquiring new territories and asserting control over foreign nations, the United States signaled its intent to play a significant role on the world stage. This change laid the groundwork for future interventions and conflicts throughout the 20th century, shaping America's identity as an imperial power and influencing international relations for generations to come.

Related terms

Spanish-American War:

A conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues related to Cuban independence, which ultimately led to U.S. involvement and victory.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, which was a driving force behind U.S. actions during and after the Spanish-American War.

Philippines:

An archipelago in Southeast Asia that became a territory of the United States as a result of the Treaty of Paris, igniting debates over American imperialism and governance.