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Submarine mine sinks U.S. battleship Maine in Havana Harbor
Submarine mine sinks U.S. battleship Maine in Havana Harbor (260 killed; responsibility never fixed. Tensions between Spain and the United States rose out of the attempts by Cubans to liberate their island from the control of the Spanish. The first Cuban insurrection was unsuccessful and lasted between 1868 and 1878. American sympathies were with the revolutionaries, and war with Spain nearly erupted when the filibuster ship Virginius was captured and most of the crew (including many American ci -
Congress declares independence of Cuba.
Congress declares independence of Cuba. U.S. victory in the war produced a peace treaty that compelled the Spanish to relinquish claims on Cuba, and to cede sovereignty over Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. The United States also annexed the independent state of Hawaii during the conflict. Thus, the war enabled the United States to establish its predominance in the Caribbean region and to pursue its strategic and economic interests in Asia. -
Spain declares war on U.S. (April 24)
Spain declares war on U.S. The official start to the Spanish- American War. -
Congress formally declares nation has been at war with Spain since April 21.
Congress formally declares nation has been at war with Spain since April 21. War fires stoked by “jingo journalism” as American people support Cuban rebels against Spain. American business sees economic gain in Cuban trade and resources and American power zones in Latin America. -
Commodore George Dewey wins seven-hour battle of Manila Bay.
Commodore George Dewey wins seven-hour battle of Manila Bay. At 7 p.m. on 30 April, Montojo was informed that Dewey's ships had been seen in Subic Bay that morning. As Manila Bay was considered unnavigable at night by foreigners, Montojo expected an attack the following morning. The American Consul in Manila, however, had provided Dewey with detailed information on the state of the Spanish defenses and the lack of preparedness of the Spanish fleet, prompting him to enter the bay immediately. -
Treaty of Paris ends war.
Treaty of Paris ends war. The once-proud Spanish empire was virtually dissolved as the United States took over much of Spain's overseas holdings. Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States, the Philippines were bought for $20 million, and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. Philippine insurgents who fought against Spanish rule during the war immediately turned their guns against the new occupiers, and 10 times more U.S. troops died suppressing the Philippines than in defeating Spain.
