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Wilson-Gorman Tariff
This tariff passed by Congress in 1894 restricted US sugar imports. The tariff led to an economic downturn in Cuba, and in turn helped to increase the anger of Cuban natives against colonial Spain. -
USS Maine
American warship sent to patrol Cuban waters at the beginning of 1898. When the ship mysteriously exploded on February 15, 1898, it gave the US a final reason to go to war, even though the cause of the explosion is still debated today. -
The First Battle Of the Spanish War
In the first battle between Spanish and American Forces, U.S. Commodore Dewey and his Asiatic squadron defeat the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay in the Philippines. -
War on Spain
On April 25,1898, the United States formally declared war against Spain. The Monroe Doctrine, which since 1823 had viewed any European intervention in the Americas as a threat to U.S. security, coupled with the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor precipitated the U.S. engagement. Coverage by both the Hearst newspapers and the nascent film industry solidified public support for involvement in Cuba's struggle for independence. -
Arriving to Cuba
U.S. troops came and land in Cuba.The U. S. Fifth Army Corps, under General William Shafter and numbering some 25,000 troops, landed in Cuba initially at Daiquiri and later at Siboney beginning on June 22, 1898. -
Battle of San Juan Heights
On July 1, 1898, United States forces, including Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, defeated greatly outnumbered Spanish forces at San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill near the Spanish stronghold of Santiago de Cuba. The victory allowed the United States to begin a siege of Santiago de Cuba, which led to Spanish surrender and the end of the Spanish-American War. -
Spanish Fleet Destroyed
The Battle of Santiago de Cuba, fought between Spain and the United States on July 3, 1898, was the largest naval engagement of the Spanish-American War and resulted in the destruction of the Spanish Navy's Caribbean Squadron. -
In The End of Santiago
The Spanish surrender at Santiago. On July 17, after both governments agreed to the terms, Toral surrendered about 11,500 soldiers within the district of Santiago plus an additional 12,000 soldiers stationed around Santiago. The Spanish also ceded Guantanamo City and San Luis. -
Protocol Of Peace
The U.S. and Spain sign the Protocol of Peace, ending hostilities between the two. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris is signed by representatives from the U.S. and Spain. After extensive debate, the treaty is ratified by the U.S. senate on February 6, 1899. Under the treaty, the U.S. acquires control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.
