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Cuba fights for independence from Spain.
As Cuba struggles to win its freedom from Spain, American newspapers publish sensational stories about the Spain's brutality toward the Cubans. Some Americans begin to call for the U.S. to get involved in the fight. -
Sinking of USS Maine
The U.S.S. Maine was a battleship that exploded and sank in a Havana harbor. The cause was not known, but many blame Spain. -
Congress adopted a resolution declaring war against Spain
Congress responds to McKinley's war speech with the Teller Amendment. The amendment, which McKinley signs, says that the U.S. cannot annex Cuba. -
U.S greatly outnumbered spanish forces
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. -
Siege of Santiago
The last major operation of the Spanish–American War on the island of Cuba. -
The Spanish fleet in the Caribbean is destroyed in the Battle of Santiago.
After a relatively easy fight with Spain, the U.S. and Spain agree to stop fighting and sign a cease-fire agreement. The war unofficially comes to an end. -
Spain signs armistice
The U.S. and Spain agree to stop fighting and sign a cease-fire agreement. The war unofficially comes to an end. -
U.S. troops capture Manila in a mock battle.
U.S. and Spanish troops stage a mock battle in the Philippine capital of Manila. It was predetermined that Spain would surrender and allow the U.S. to take control of the Philippines. -
The U.S. and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris.
The Spanish-American War officially ends when the U.S. and Spain sign the Treaty of Paris. The U.S. takes possession of Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico for $20 million.
