On December 10, 1898, a peace treaty was signed in Paris. Under it:

• The U.S. received the former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam in exchange for $20 million;
• Cuba was formally declared independent, but in fact, American influence was established there; very soon, a U.S. military base appeared in Guantanamo;
• Spain paid $25 million to the United States.

Immediately after obtaining the coveted territories, the Americans began a determined fight against the former allies – the rebels who had once opposed the Spanish crown. The end of this, in general, small and not the most eventful war entailed sweeping changes. The old colonial empire fell and a new, stronger and more powerful empire emerged.