Cuba's Desire For Independence

In 1895 the Cubans revolted against Spain and demanded independence. Years past and the United States stayed out of the conflict until February 15, 1898; the U.S.S. Maine was peacefully stationed near the capital of Cuba when the ship exploded. The United States immediately blamed the Spanish for the loss and declared war, known today as the Spanish-American war. When the U.S. joined the fight the Filipinos took their chance for independence and allied with the U.S. Four months later, Spain created a peace treaty to end the fighting, hence victory for the U.S., Cuba, and the Philippines. While the U.S. recognized Cuba’s desire for independence and gave them such, the Philippines were placed under U.S. control. The U.S. shouldn’t have annexed
the Philippines because it takes too much time and effort, it goes against American values, and the Philippines are needed for the U.S. to be economically successful.