In 1898 America acquired three new territories. This story begins with America's involvement in Cuba's war for independence. President William McKinley became concerned that the conflict between Spain and forces fighting for Cuban independence threatened American citizens and property. To address this problem, the U.S. battleship Maine was sent to Cuba.When the Maine exploded under questionable circumstances, Spain was blamed, and war was declared. (Hence the saying REMEMBER THE MAINE). From that time on, that conflict was known as the Spanish-American War.
Victory was quickly attained by American forces. On December 10, 1898, Spain gave up all rights to its former colonies of Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico under the Treaty of Paris
During this period U.S. currency and postage were circulated on the islands. Cuban and Puerto Rico overprints were created for this purpose.
Interesting fact that came out of this conflict. Because it took so long for our Navy to go from the West Coast to the war in the Pacific Islands, around the tip of South America, the U.S. decided to build the Panama Canal. See overprints below.
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