Answer
I am a young man living in the United States in the late 1800s. At that time, my country was growing rapidly and becoming more powerful. However, we were also looking to expand our influence beyond our borders.
In 1898, tensions between the United States and Spain reached a boiling point. Spain had been ruling over Cuba for centuries, but the Cuban people were growing restless and wanted their independence. The United States saw an opportunity to intervene and support the Cuban rebels.
The Spanish-American War began in April of that year. I remember hearing about the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was blamed on the Spanish. This event helped to galvanize public opinion in favor of war.
As a young man, I was eager to join the fight. I enlisted in the army and was sent to fight in Cuba. The war was short but intense. The United States quickly gained the upper hand and defeated the Spanish forces.
The Treaty of Paris was signed in December of 1898, officially ending the war. Spain agreed to give up control of Cuba, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam, to the United States. The Philippines were also ceded to the United States for a sum of $20 million.
Looking back on the war, I realize that it was a turning point for my country. We had become a major world power, and our influence would only continue to grow in the years to come. However, I also know that the war had a profound impact on the people of Cuba, the Philippines, and other places affected by American imperialism.