Key treaties signed after the Spanish American War and their implications

Answer 1

The Spanish-American War, which took place in 1898, resulted in several key treaties that significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Here are the main treaties signed after the war and their implications:

1. Treaty of Paris (1898)

• Overview: Signed on December 10, 1898, this treaty officially ended the Spanish-American War.
• Key Provisions:
  • Spain ceded control of Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States.
  • Spain relinquished sovereignty over the Philippines in exchange for $20 million from the U.S.
• Implications:
  • The United States emerged as a colonial power with territories beyond its continental borders.
  • This treaty marked a shift in American foreign policy toward imperialism.
  • The acquisition of the Philippines sparked debate over the future of U.S. imperialism and led to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) as Filipinos resisted American control.
  • It initiated a period of U.S. influence in the Caribbean and Pacific, shaping international relations in these regions.

2. Foraker Act (1900)

• Overview: Although not a treaty, the Foraker Act established civilian government in Puerto Rico following its acquisition from Spain.
• Key Provisions:
  • It provided for a governor and a legislature for Puerto Rico, but the U.S. President retained significant control.
  • Puerto Ricans were not granted U.S. citizenship at this time.
• Implications:
  • The act institutionalized U.S. governance in Puerto Rico and set a precedent for American legal control over territories.
  • The political and civil rights of Puerto Ricans became a contentious issue, leading to calls for greater autonomy and citizenship.

3. Treaty of Paris (1904-05) related to the Philippines

• Overview: This refers to the ongoing negotiations and agreements regarding the governance of the Philippines following the end of the Philippine-American War.
• Key Provisions:
  • The U.S. emphasized the establishment of a stable government in the Philippines.
  • Transition from military rule to civil government.
• Implications:
  • The U.S. established a significant military presence in the Philippines, which had long-standing implications for U.S.-Asian relations.
  • The notion of the Philippines as a strategic outpost for American interests in Asia became solidified.

4. Platt Amendment (1901)

• Overview: An amendment to the Army Appropriations Bill that outlined the terms under which the United States would withdraw its troops from Cuba.
• Key Provisions:
  • Cuba had to accept the U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.
  • The U.S. was granted the right to lease Guantanamo Bay as a naval base.
• Implications:
  • The Platt Amendment established the conditions for U.S. intervention in Cuba and effectively made Cuba a protectorate of the U.S.
  • It reinforced American dominance in the region and had lasting effects on U.S.-Cuba relations.

5. Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty (1903)

• Overview: This treaty, signed between the U.S. and Panama, facilitated the construction of the Panama Canal.
• Key Provisions:
  • The U.S. received control of the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for financial compensation.
• Implications:
  • The canal became a crucial maritime route, enhancing U.S. naval and commercial power.
  • It further exemplified the U.S. policy of intervention and control in Latin America.

Summary

The treaties and agreements made after the Spanish-American War reflect a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards imperialism and territorial expansion. The implications of these treaties reshaped American interactions both domestically and globally, impacting the lives of millions in the newly acquired territories and setting the stage for future U.S. involvement in international affairs.