The Spanish-American war of 1898

Abstract

The Spanish-American war of 1898 is an example of increasing expansionist tendencies in American foreign policy. In the last decade of the 19th century, we observe the process of rapid development of the US foreign expansion. The continental territory of the United States was already relatively integrated. American ruling circles were seeking possibilities of expansion outside United States. These tendencies were further strengthened by the economic crisis of 1893. The American expansion was mainly directed towards Latin America. This expansion collided with interests of colonial powers of England, France and Spain. Cuba and Puerto Rico were under Spanish domination. In 1895, an uprising against the Spanish colonizers broke out in Cuba. United States took advantage of this conflict both to weaken Spain’s position and to strengthen American interests. The Spanish-American war lasted less than four months and ended with a victory for the United States. The peace treaty was signed on December 10, 1898. Spain withdrew from Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam. As a result of this war, the United States strengthened its international position.