Question

Why was there a BIG congressional debate concerning the end of the Spanish American War?


whether we should keep Cuba or give it its independence


whether we should keep Puerto Rico or give it its independence


whether or not we should purchase Alaska


whether we should keep the Philippines or give it its independence

Answer 1

The BIG congressional debate concerning the end of the Spanish-American War primarily revolved around **whether we should keep the Philippines or give it its independence**. After the war, the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain, and there was significant controversy over whether to annex the Islands or to grant them independence.

Supporters of annexation argued that the Philippines would provide a strategic military and economic foothold in Asia, while opponents, including prominent figures such as Mark Twain and members of the Anti-Imperialist League, argued for independence, emphasizing the principles of self-determination and the moral implications of imperialism. This debate was significant and indicative of broader themes regarding U.S. foreign policy and imperialism during that era.