Spanish-Cuban-American War

War between the United States and Spain, April 24-August 12, 1898. The Cuban independence struggle became an international issue in 1898 when the United States, angered by Spanish excesses and prodded by those who saw a possibility of its acquiring greater influence in the island, threatened war if Spain did not relinquish its authority. When Spain refused, US troops invaded Cuba and Puerto Rico and an expedition was sent against the Philippines.

The name “Spanish-American War” was bitterly resented, and in 1945 the Cuban Congress approved the substitution of Guerra Hispano-Cubano-Americana. In fact, however, the “República en armas” had taken part, however, in neither the declaration nor the formal conclusion of what was in fact a conflict between the United States and Spain. Although the Army of Liberation cooperated with the US forces, its help was accepted only to the degree that this implied no recognition of the insurgency as a belligerent; Cuba had no say in the peace negotiations and did not become an independent state for another two years.