Spanish-American War (1898)

The Spanish-American War was due to the high spirits of expansion throughout the world.  Cuba, a Spanish possession, wanted independence from Spain.  The United States intervened because they felt a need to help the Cubans, especially after a failed rebeillion and Ten Years War.  The US declared war on Spain when the Spanish sunk the USS Maine, in Havana harbor.  On December 10, 1898 the Treaty of Paris was signed, declaring peace between the United States and Spain.  Cuba was freed while the US obtained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.  This time period was big for imperialism and by obtaining so many territories, the United States showed the world they were capable of being an international power.