After the Spanish-American War, Guam became a territory of the United States. This significant shift in sovereignty was a direct result of the war's conclusion and the subsequent peace treaty.
Acquisition by the United States
Guam, along with the Philippines and Puerto Rico, officially became a territory of the United States. This transfer of power was a key stipulation of the Treaty of Paris that formally ended the Spanish-American War in 1898. This event marked the end of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule for Guam.
The acquisition of these territories was driven by several factors, including strategic military interests and burgeoning American imperial ambitions. For Guam, its location in the Pacific Ocean made it a valuable coaling station and naval outpost for the expanding U.S. fleet, particularly in relation to trade routes to Asia.
The Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, in Paris, France, formally ended the conflict between Spain and the United States. Key provisions of the treaty included:
- Cession of Territories: Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States.
- Sale of the Philippines: Spain sold the Philippines to the United States for $20 million.
This treaty fundamentally reshaped the global colonial landscape, signaling the decline of the Spanish Empire and the rise of the United States as a new world power.
Territories Transferred by the Treaty of Paris
| Territory Acquired | Former Colonial Power | Treaty | Year | Significance for U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guam | Spain | Paris | 1898 | Strategic Pacific outpost |
| Philippines | Spain | Paris | 1898 | Gateway to Asian markets |
| Puerto Rico | Spain | Paris | 1898 | Caribbean military base |
| Cuba | Spain | Paris | 1898 | Gained independence under U.S. influence |
Initial U.S. Governance
Immediately following the transfer, Guam came under the administration of the United States Navy. This naval rule lasted for decades, with the island serving primarily as a vital military and communication outpost. The U.S. Naval Governor was responsible for all aspects of governance, including law enforcement, public health, and education.
The shift from Spanish to American rule brought about significant changes in language, legal systems, and cultural practices on the island, laying the foundation for Guam's unique modern identity as an unincorporated U.S. territory.
