U.S. Senate Ratifies Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris, marking the end of the Spanish–American War, was ratified by the United States Senate. This agreement effectively ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, thus expanding U.S. territories. The treaty was negotiated in 1898 following military victories by the U.S. forces and significant public support for the expansionist agenda of the time. The ratification process involved extensive debate among senators, reflecting the varying opinions on imperialism and America's role on the world stage.
Ratified by the Senate on February 6, 1899.
Negotiated after U.S. victory in the Spanish–American War.
Ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.
Sparked debates over U.S. imperialism and governance.
What Happened?
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, formally ended the Spanish–American War, a conflict rooted in U.S. intervention in Cuba and fueled by sensationalist journalism. Following the swift military campaigns, the United States emerged victorious, and the treaty's terms were negotiated amid widespread public support for American expansionism. The Senate’s ratification on February 6, 1899, was a culmination of heated debates within Congress regarding the implications of acquiring overseas territories. Proponents argued it was essential for national security and economic interests, while opponents expressed concerns about imperialism and the implications for governance in the newly acquired territories.The ratified treaty transferred Spain's colonies of Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S. and required Spain to sell the Philippines for $20 million. The decision stirred considerable controversy, igniting a national debate over America's future role as an imperial power. Prominent leaders, including Senator George F. Hoar, opposed the treaty based on moral grounds, fearing it contradicted the principles of self-determination and democracy. Nevertheless, the treaty's passage reflected a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving toward an active engagement with global affairs.This expansionist sentiment in the U.S. had far-reaching consequences, including the establishment of the Philippines as a new territory. This led to the Philippine–American War, highlighting the complexities of colonial governance and the resistance faced by the U.S. presence abroad. The treaty not only reshaped U.S. borders but also acted as a precursor to America's 20th-century role as a global power.
Why Does it Matter?
The ratification of the Treaty of Paris was pivotal in establishing the United States as an emerging world power, significantly altering its foreign policy direction. The acquisition of territories like the Philippines introduced complex challenges of governance and raised critical debates about American identity. The discussions sparked by this treaty continue to influence American attitudes toward imperialism and international relations.