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.