Treaty of Paris (1898) — December 1898 peace treaty of the Spanish-American War
The treaty ended the Spanish-American War, dismantling the Spanish Empire and marking the emergence of the United States as a global imperial power.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- December 10, 1898
- Date in effect
- April 11, 1899
- Compensation to Spain
- 20,000,000 USD
- Territories ceded by Spain
- Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines
- Preceded by armistice signed
- August 12, 1898, Washington D.C.
- Prior US-Spain treaty
- Adams–Onís Treaty, 1819
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Spanish-American War of 1898 arose from tensions over Spanish colonial rule, particularly in Cuba. After a brief conflict, Spain was defeated militarily, and a preliminary armistice signed on August 12, 1898, halted active hostilities and set the framework for a formal peace agreement requiring Spain to surrender key colonial territories.
Representatives of Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, in Paris, France. Under its terms, Spain relinquished sovereignty over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The United States paid Spain $20 million as compensation for the cession of the Philippines. The treaty was ratified and took effect on April 11, 1899.
The treaty effectively ended the Spanish Empire outside a few minor holdings and gave rise to the 'Generation of '98' cultural movement in Spain. The United States emerged as an imperial power with overseas territories in the Caribbean and Pacific. The treaty's expansionist implications proved controversial in the U.S., becoming a central issue in the 1900 presidential election between McKinley and Bryan.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent