1898 Spanish-American War and Treaty of Paris: Key Articles
The Spanish-American War and the Treaty of Paris (1898)
Key Articles of the Peace Treaty
This historical text analyzes four articles from the peace treaty between the United States and Spain, signed in Paris on December 10, 1898, and reprinted in 1978 in Analysis and Discussion of Historical Texts II by Maria Victoria Lopez-Gordon and José Urbano Martínez. The treaty marks the end of the Spanish-American War and Spain’s renunciation of its rights in Cuba.
Terms of the Treaty
The treaty details Spain’s relinquishment of Cuba to the U.S., outlining the U.S.’s responsibilities in occupying the island. Spain also ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. The U.S., in turn, agreed to pay Spain $20,000,000. A final article stipulated the release of all prisoners of war held by both sides during the conflicts in Cuba and the Philippines.
Causes of the Cuban Conflict
Several factors contributed to the Cuban conflict, including:
- The growing Cuban independence movement
- Missteps by the Spanish government, such as delaying promised autonomy and failing to address abuses against indigenous workers
- U.S. support for the Cuban insurgents
The War’s Progression
The Cuban War of Independence began in February 1895 with the Cry of Baire in eastern Cuba. Spain’s initial attempts at negotiation failed, leading to repressive measures. Following the assassination of Cánovas del Castillo, a new Liberal government offered Cuba autonomy, but U.S. intervention and the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor escalated tensions. The U.S. offered to buy Cuba, but Spain refused. An ultimatum followed, and the ensuing war resulted in a decisive Spanish defeat.
The Treaty of Paris and its Aftermath
Faced with defeat, Spain signed the Treaty of Paris in December 1898, ceding Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico to the U.S.
Consequences of the 1898 Colonial Disaster
The consequences of the war were far-reaching:
- Humanitarian: An estimated 600,000 Spanish soldiers were killed, with many more wounded or psychologically scarred. Returning soldiers received little support.
- Economic: Spain lost valuable colonial revenue.
- Political: Both the Conservative and Liberal parties were weakened, particularly the Liberal Party under Sagasta.
- Military: The defeat led to a military crisis.
- Ideological: The defeat spurred criticism and calls for regeneration, targeting issues such as political corruption, electoral fraud, and economic backwardness. Thinkers like Joaquín Costa, in his work Oligarchy and Despotism, proposed solutions like electoral reform, parliamentary dignity, educational reform, and social assistance. These ideas influenced future political figures like Maura and Canalejas.