The Truth About the Treaty of Paris

TOPIC

Treaty of Paris (1898): Spanish-American War Affecting Philippines

TITLE

I. INTRODUCTION

The Treaty of Paris is a significant historical agreement that ended numerous wars
throughout history. The most significant one was the Treaties of Paris, mainly the Spanish and
American War in 1898, respectively. Despite the treaty's stated goal of bringing about peace,
the effects of the previous conflict continued to affect the populace. Another war began with
the end of the Spanish and American War. Also, the study's focus is on the Treaty of Paris 1898
and how it relates to the effects of the Spanish and American War on the Philippines. This
treaty had significant effects on the Philippines, which was a Spanish colony at the time. The
primary goal of this study is to examine the information on the Treaty of Paris 1898 and how
it affects the Philippines. This includes analyzing how the treaty directly affected the political,
social, and economic developments that arose in the Philippines. The goal of the research is to
determine how the Spanish-American War, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris,
affected the Philippines' national trajectory and destiny. Additionally, to clarify and gain a
deeper understanding of the circumstances underlying the Treaty of Paris in 1898.

This title, "Treaty of Paris 1898: Spanish-American War Affecting Philippines," nicely
summarizes the main points of the inquiry. "Spanish-American War Affecting Philippines"
clearly defines the geographical and historical scope of the study, while "Treaty of Paris
(1898)" refers to the historical accord reached in the city of Paris in that year. The meaning of
the title is found in its promise to examine the complex interactions between the conflict, the
treaty, and their combined effects on the Philippines. However, to challenge prevailing wisdom
and contribute to a deeper understanding of this historical period, this study attempts to provide
a fresh interpretation of the Treaty of Paris. Additionally, it offers insightful information about
the Spanish and American War's wider effects on the Philippines, illuminating its complex
consequences and offering a complicated viewpoint on this crucial period in history. The title's
ultimate objective is to provide a scholarly investigation that deepens our comprehension of
the historical sociocultural and geopolitical dynamics.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Spanish-American War, which began in 1898, was one of the major events that
shaped the destiny of the Philippines. Relations between the two countries diminished when
the Cuban Revolution drew the US to the side of the insurgents while protecting vital economic
investments on the island. The American warship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor on
15 February 1898, allegedly by treachery, providing the American government with an excuse
to declare war on Spain on 25 April 1898. The Americans arrived in the Philippines soon after
the Battle of Manila Bay. Furthermore, on May 19, 1898, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo returned to
the Philippines, persuaded by American Consul E. Spencer Pratt and with the advice of the
government of Hong Kong, and issued a proclamation urging Filipinos to rally once more for
the defense of their country. The Filipinos' response to his call was overwhelming, and he was
rewarded with sweeping victories. The journey to July 4, 1946, had been long and risky. The
Philippines had been a Spanish colony since 1565, and there had been various revolts against
Spanish control over the years. Until the nineteenth century, when nationalism led to a more
cohesive anti-colonial movement, these revolts remained disconnected. This culminated in the
1896 revolution. A stalemate ensued after extensive fighting, resulting in a ceasefire agreement
between Filipino and Spanish authorities. This treaty ended the Spanish-American War, with
Spain relinquishing various territories to the United States, including the Philippines, Guam,
and Puerto Rico (SGCI, 2020).

Investigating the history of this treaty reveals complicated diplomatic talks,

imperialistic aims, and ramifications that reverberated throughout the twentieth century.
During the Congressional battle over its approval, the agreement was especially contentious.
There was a discussion between anti-imperialists and expansionist lawmakers. Anti-
imperialists thought that the United States should not have power over foreign peoples,
particularly those without congressional representation. There was a widespread assumption
that Congress lacked the authority to adopt laws affecting persons who were not represented in
the legislative body. On the other hand, expansionists contended that the Constitution only
extended to American citizens, permitting Congress to enact laws affecting foreign territory
under its control. After the Treaty of Paris was signed in December 1899, it needed to be ratified
by a two-thirds majority of the United States. Senate. The debate over ratifying the pact
polarized the Senate over imperialism and the United States' future involvement in Cuba and
the Philippines. Several advantages were given by the imperialist position in the arguments
surrounding the colonization of the Philippines in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries. Advocates like Hoyles and Thompson stressed economic potential, arguing that the
Philippines might be a profitable market for American goods as well as a source of "cheap
labor" to boost production and profits (Hoganson, 1998). Furthermore, despite cultural
insensitivity displayed by imposing American songs and festivals on Filipino students
(Michigan Daily,1899), they championed the civilizing mission, hoping to transmit American
principles and culture through the colonial education system. Imperialists also emphasized
strategic gains, citing military and economic advantages in extending political authority over
the Asia-Pacific area, including the Philippines. However, anti-imperialists may have flaws
such as potential economic blindness by neglecting potential benefits for the US and a
nationalist bias that prioritized Filipino interests above larger concerns (Hoganson, 1998). The
conflicting versions of the story surrounding the Treaty of Paris and territorial acquisition had
a profound impact on the path of history. This ideological fight, as expressed in the Treaty of
Paris discussion, not only impacted American policy but also established a precedent for the
country's position in global affairs. The decision to annex the Philippines and other territories
had far-reaching consequences for America's international ties, impacting its perception as a
global power and dictating its foreign policy trajectory. The transfer of control of the
Philippines from Spanish to American sovereignty, as agreed in the Treaty of Paris on
December 10, 1898, was a watershed moment. The annexation, which encompassed Puerto
Rico, and the payment of $20 million to Spain sparked debate. The declaration of independence
by Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, heightened tensions further, as Philippine forces
opposed Spain's right to hand over their country to the US. Following the founding of the First
Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899, the United States occupied the Philippine Islands for
several years, therefore changing the region's historical environment.
The treaty did not take effect until it was ratified. Many American senators opposed it
at first because they saw it as unjust to Filipinos and a manifestation of imperialism.
Unfortunately, the Filipino-American hostilities that erupted in the Philippines on February 4,
1899 (dubbed the "First Shot") changed the course of history. According to American
propaganda, the Filipinos instigated the hostility, resulting in a breach of alliance and trust.
Two days later, the treaty was ratified by the US Senate with two-thirds support. Hence, The
Treaty of Paris was regarded as a tool of peace by the American and Spanish governments, but
the Filipinos resented its conclusion and ratification because they were not consulted or
considered in its formulation. Furthermore, the provisions of the treaty benefited the
imperialists rather than the Filipinos. With the signing and ratification of the Treaty of Paris,
the already strained relations between Americans and Filipinos deteriorated further, resulting
in another episode known as the Filipino-American War. The war between Spain and the
United States was officially put to an end by the Treaty of Paris 1898, which also handed the
Spanish-ruled islands and nations to the United States. In the Spanish and American War.
However, it attempts to shed light on the treaty's frequently neglected aspects, such as its impact
on the Philippines and its role in shaping the geopolitical environment.

III. CONCLUSION

The end of the Spanish-American War led to another, the Philippines-American War.
The purchasing of the Philippines left a bad taste on the tongues of the Filipinos today.
Especially, the fact that the Philippines was not granted independence and was taken over by
the U.S. The betrayal that the Philippines felt is easy to understand as for years the Philippines
has been fighting for independence and was at the later stages of acquiring its independence.
Knowing and comprehending this part of our history helps us understand how the changes in
our culture were shaped. The Spanish-American War affected the Philippines in a way that led
to a stronger fight for independence. It is important because as Filipinos, we can learn about
our history and better understand it. The younger generations can learn a lesson to avoid any
of the mistakes and possibly create new paths for future generations. The Treaty of Paris (1898)
created a greater impact on the way we look at our history as Filipinos seeing that although it
ended the Spanish colonization, the Americans took over denying the Philippines
independence. The changes brought by both countries in our history have remained prevalent
and looking back allows us to observe how such changes remained in the present.

Marturillas, Elissa Therese T.

 I’ve learned from our topic that the Philippines was shaped before, during, and after the
Treaty of Paris (1898). Personally, learning about this topic gave me an understanding and
appreciation of the Philippines and its history. About the challenges they were facing, the
persistence of our people, the shaping of our culture, and the lessons that we can learn from.
As our history helps us understand how today came to be, settling this historical issue gives us
a crucial point of view for understanding. Thus, educating us and helping us give insights to be
prepared and to avoid conflicts.
Navarro, Trisha Jhozel D.

I have learned from our topic, that the truth about The Treaty of Paris was that it
happened as if Filipinos believed they had their independence when the Spanish colonizers had
stopped colonizing the Philippines, however, it was passed down to the Americans. Through
this, I can simply describe our country before as weak and pitiful. Therefore, it is important to
settle this historical issue once in for all because it played a significant event in our history. By,
studying and researching this historical issue would help future learners to understand the truth
about the Treaty of Paris in Philippine History. Hence, hopefully, in the future, history will not
repeat itself, and the Philippines will be stronger than before.

Ojas, Ninya P.

I've learned about the complex dynamics surrounding the Spanish-American War, the
Treaty of Paris, and the subsequent colonization of the Philippines by the United States. It
highlights the clash of ideologies between imperialists and anti-imperialists, underscoring
economic, cultural, and strategic motivations. Understanding this historical issue is crucial to
comprehend the lasting impact on global affairs, shaping America's role as a global power and
influencing its foreign policy trajectory. Resolving this historical issue is essential for
acknowledging the complexities involved and fostering a nuanced understanding of the
historical events that shaped the Philippines' destiny.
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Dec. 10, 1898: Treaty of Paris - Zinn Education Project. (2022, December 12). Zinn
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