Key Events

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

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.

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

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

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

July 17, 1898: The Spanish surrender at Santiago.

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

December 10, 1898: The Treaty of Paris is signed by representatives from the U.S. and Spain. After extensive debate, the treaty is ratified by the U.S. senate on February 6, 1899. Under the treaty, the U.S. acquires control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines.