Office of the First Lady
On December 10, 1898, the United States signed a historic peace treaty to end the momentous Spanish-American War. The treaty reaffirmed the âMonroe Doctrineâ by ending the age-old European foothold in the Western Hemisphere and signaled to the entire world that America was emerging as a major superpower not to be underestimated. Today, we honor the unwavering courage, conviction, and sacrifice of every hero of liberty who fearlessly confronted forces of tyranny to defend our honor, our sovereignty, and our birthright of freedom.
As Cubaâs fight for independence escalated under King Alfonso XIIIâs ruleâleading to violent unrest that endangered American livesâthe United States deployed the battleship USS MAINE to Havana, the capital of Cuba. On February 15, 1898, a devastating explosion sank the ship, claiming the lives of more than 260 Americans. This tragedy propelled the United States toward a momentous struggle for justice and ignited our Nationâs righteous determination to defend our interests and maintain our dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
The war swiftly unfolded as American troops and sailors advanced with decisive strength, securing victories from Cuba to the Philippines. At the Battle of Manila Bay, United States forces destroyed the entire royal Spanish fleet within mere hours. Additional fighting in Cuba was backed by Theodore Rooseveltâs legendary regiment of âRough Riders,â a volunteer cavalry made up of cowboys, miners, and college athletes, who embodied the full measure of American strength, resilience, and grit. These triumphant victories across land and sea brought the Spanish Empire to its breaking point and solidified the United States of America as the greatest military force in the world.
On this day 127 years ago, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the conflict and Spain relinquished its claim to Cuba and ceded Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United Statesâa pivotal moment that marked not only the conclusion of the war but the dawn of Americaâs role as a military superpower unlike anything the world had ever seen.
Today, we recognize the territories and partnerships forged by the Treaty of Paris, where the full force of American freedom has taken root. Above all, we renew our commitment to a simple truth: Peace is maintained through strength. My Administration is proudly upholding this America First vision through our negotiations of historic peace deals in regions marked by decades of conflictâproving to nations around the world that we can turn the page on the days of endless wars and usher in a future defined by everlasting peace.
As we commemorate this anniversary of our victory in the Spanish-American War, we stand united in our unwavering commitment to peace, military strength, and the enduring principles that define the American spirit.