[Illustration: THE UNITED STATES IN 1900.]
[Illustration: DEPENDENCIES OF THE UNITED STATES. All on same scale as United States, 1900.]
484. End of the War.--The destruction of the Spanish Atlantic fleet and the fall of Santiago convinced the Spaniards that further resistance was useless. So it was agreed that the fighting should be stopped. This was in July, 1898. But the actual treaty of peace was not made until the following December. The conditions were that Spain should abandon Cuba, should cede to the United States Porto Rico, the Philippines, and some smaller islands, and should receive from the United States twenty million dollars. For many years American missionaries, merchants, and planters had been interested in the Hawaiian Islands. The war showed the importance of these islands to the United States as a military and naval station, and they were annexed.
485. Prosperity.--The years 1898-1900 have been a period of unbounded prosperity for the American people. Foreign trade has increased enormously, and the manufactures of the United States are finding a ready market in other countries. A rebellion has been going on in the Philippines, but it seems to be slowly dying out (February, 1900).
§§ 464, 465.--_a_. Why was Harrison chosen President?
_b_. What is "tariff reform"? What is "reciprocity"? Do you consider such a method wise or not? Why?
§§ 466, 467.--_a_. Why was silver demonetized? What is meant by the word "demonetization"?
_b_. What was the Sherman Silver Law? What effect did it have upon business?
_c_. Was there any reason for the fear on the part of business men?
§§ 468, 469.--_a_. Why did money become scarce in the summer of 1893?
_b_. How did the repeal of the Sherman Law affect confidence in the future of business?
_c_. Describe the Chicago Exhibition. What is the advantage of such an exhibition?
§§ 470, 471.--_a_. Who were the leading candidates for the presidency in 1896? What principles did they stand for?
_b_. Explain the provisions of the Dingley Tariff.
_c_. Ask some business man what he thinks of the wisdom of changing the tariff very often.
§§ 472, 473.--_a_. What promises had the Spaniards made to the Cubans and how had they kept them?
_b_. What do you think of Weyler's policy?