The United States took control of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico after defeating Spain in the Spanish American War.
Detailed response to your query
After defeating Spain in the Spanish American War, the United States took control of three territories – the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Here are some interesting facts about each of these territories:
- Philippines: The U.S. acquired the Philippines as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1898. The Philippines had been a Spanish colony for over 300 years before being taken over by the United States. The U.S. declared the Philippines a territory, but the Filipinos wanted independence. This led to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), which lasted for three years. In 1946, the Philippines finally gained independence from the United States.
Quote: “I would never think of quarreling with my Maker’s plans, for, from where I sit, I can see that He is leading me in a direction that only He understands.” – Mahatma Gandhi (who worked as a journalist in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War)
- Guam: Guam is a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. has controlled Guam since it was acquired as a result of the Spanish American War. During World War II, Guam was occupied by the Japanese and was later liberated by the U.S. military. Today, Guam is a popular tourist destination and is home to many U.S. military installations.
Quote: “Guam and its people hold a special place in my heart.” – Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Guamanian politician)
- Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico as part of the Treaty of Paris in 1898. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they don’t have the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections. There is a movement in Puerto Rico to become a U.S. state, but this is a contentious issue.
Quote: “We have been an American territory since 1898. In all these years, we have never been consulted.” – Luis A. Ferré (Puerto Rican politician)
Here is a table summarizing the information:
| Territory | Year Acquired | Notable Events | Famous Quotes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 1898 | Philippine-American War (1899-1902); independence gained in 1946 | “I would never think of quarreling with my Maker’s plans, for, from where I sit, I can see that He is leading me in a direction that only He understands.” – Mahatma Gandhi |
| Guam | 1898 | Occupied by Japan during World War II; now home to U.S. military installations | “Guam and its people hold a special place in my heart.” – Madeleine Z. Bordallo |
| Puerto Rico | 1898 | Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but don’t have the right to vote in presidential elections; movement for statehood | “We have been an American territory since 1898. In all these years, we have never been consulted.” – Luis A. Ferré |
Other viewpoints exist
Representatives of Spain and the United States signed a peace treaty in Paris on , which established the independence of Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States, and allowed the victorious power to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.
Overview
- In the late nineteenth century, the United States abandoned its century-long commitment to isolationism and became an imperial power.
- After the Spanish-American War, the United States exercised significant control over Cuba, annexed Hawaii, and claimed Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as territories.
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines
Explanation:
The result of the Spanish American War was the 1898 Treaty of Paris, negotiated on terms favorable to the U.S. which allowed it temporary control of Cuba and ceded ownership of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippine islands. The cession of the Philippines involved payment of $20 million ($588,320,000 today) to Spain by the U.S. to cover infrastructure owned by Spain.
Answer in the video
The Spanish-American War was sparked by the demand for Cuban freedom, which caught the United States’ attention due to their journalism’s focus on the events. The sinking of the USS Maine led to Congress calling for a declaration of war on Spain, and the Teller Amendment was issued to ensure the US wouldn’t seize power over Cuba. The United States defeated Spain in the Philippines at the Battle of Manila Bay, resulting in the exchange of power, and won Guam, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The Treaty of Paris solidified the US’s overseas expansion, but some criticized the government’s adoption of expansionist policies. The war ended Spain’s colonial endeavors, while the US experienced growth and development.