Spanish American War

War is Approved

Apr 11, 1898

April 11, 1898, Mckinley approves war with Spain

The War Begins

Apr 25, 1898

On April 25, 1898, The U.S. Congress declares war on Spain.

First Battle between the Spanish and Americans.

May 1, 1898

May 1, 1898, 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.

Troops land in Cuba

Jun 22, 1898

June 22, 1898, U.S. troops land in Cuba.

U.S. victory in San Juan Heights

Jul 1, 1898

July 1, 1898, U.S. forces defeat the Spanish at the Battle of San Juan Heights.

Spanish Fleet Destroyed

Jul 3, 1898

July 3, 1898, U.S. forces destroy the Spanish Fleet off Santiago Bay, Cuba.

Spanish Surrender

Jul 17, 1898

July 17, 1898: The Spanish surrender at Santiago.

Protocol of Peace is Signed

Aug 12, 1898

August 12, 1898, The U.S. and Spain sign the Protocol of Peace, ending hostilities between the two.

The Treaty of Paris is signed

Dec 10, 1898

December 10, 1898, The Treaty of Paris is signed by representatives from the U.S. and Spain.

Treaty of Paris is Ratified by US Senate

Feb 6, 1899

February 6, 1899, After extensive debate, the treaty is ratified by the U.S. senate on Under the treaty, the U.S. acquires control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.