The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a major turning point in American and global history. The conflict grew out of long-standing unrest in Cuba, where Cuban revolutionaries had been fighting for independence from Spanish colonial rule throughout the 19th century.

The first major Cuban uprising, known as the Ten Years’ War (1868–1878), failed to secure independence. A renewed rebellion began in 1895, drawing increasing attention and sympathy from the United States. While many Americans supported the Cuban cause, the U.S. government initially hesitated to intervene directly.

That hesitation ended in February 1898, when the American battleship USS Maine exploded while anchored in Havana Harbor. Although the exact cause of the explosion was never conclusively determined, the incident inflamed public opinion in the United States. On April 25, 1898, the United States formally declared war on Spain.

The war itself was brief, lasting only a few months. American forces quickly defeated Spanish naval power and launched successful military campaigns overseas. Fighting took place primarily in Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam, reflecting Spain’s global colonial presence at the time.

By August 1898, Spain had been decisively defeated. The conflict formally ended with the Treaty of Paris, signed later that year. Under the terms of the treaty, Spain relinquished control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while Cuba gained independence from Spanish rule. In return, the United States agreed to pay Spain $20 million.

The Spanish-American War significantly reduced Spain’s role as a colonial power and marked the emergence of the United States as a global military and political force. It also reshaped American foreign policy and set the stage for U.S. involvement in international affairs during the 20th century.