MIAMI, United States. — The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898 by Spain and the United States, put an end to the Spanish-American War and, with it, to colonial domination over Cuba and other territories until then controlled by the Spanish metropolis.
It was, without a doubt, an event of great historical relevance, because it offered Cubans the path to the long-awaited independence, achieved three years later after a period of US military occupation (1899-1902).
In addition to losing Cuba, which ended up declaring its sovereignty on May 20, 1902, Spain also had to hand over to the US the territories of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. In the case of the Philippines, twenty million dollars passed into the hands of the United States.
Historical reviews of the event indicate that during the negotiations Spain tried to include numerous amendments. However, it finally had to accept all the impositions of the United States, which asserted its status as the winner of the war that faced both countries in the Greater Antilles.
Spain, moreover, aware that the superior US armament power could endanger other Spanish possessions in Europe and Africa.
“Her Majesty’s Government, moved by noble reasons of patriotism and humanity, will not assume the responsibility of bringing back to Spain all the horrors of war. To avoid them, it resigns itself to the painful task of submitting to the law of the victor, however hard it may be, and since Spain lacks the material means to defend the rights it believes are its own, it accepts the only terms that the United States gives it. They offer for the conclusion of the peace treaty”, said Queen María Cristina in her acceptance of the terms of the Treaty.
It should be noted that the Treaty of Paris was signed without the presence of the representatives of the territories invaded by the United States, which caused great discontent among the population of these new colonies, especially the Philippines, which would end up facing the US in the Philippine-American War.
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