Chapter 329 Germany, Philippines, Beiyang

The Spanish-American War is finally over.

The war was unexpectedly short.

Originally, in the hearts of many people, although Spain is no longer glorious, it still has some foundation. Moreover, they have invested a huge force of 250,000 people in Cuba... Even if it is 250,000 pigs, it will take some effort for the Americans to capture it? Moreover, the Americans did not do their best, but instead invited Qing people from the other side of the Pacific Ocean. The combat effectiveness of these Qing people is not very strong, and it is absolutely impossible to be comparable to the Red Corps.

But the facts surprised countless people.

The Spanish, who seemed not very weak, were simply weak. They were defeated again and again against the Americans; they were defeated again and again against the Cuban rebels; they were defeated again and again against the Qing people... What's more, they were beaten by the Chinese to the vicinity of Havana, and almost even the Cuban capital was lost. And the one who helped them protect the capital was actually the Americans. The reason why the Americans did that was just that they didn't want the Chinese to get the title of "Cuban Capital Captain", because that would make the American political fu, who was a Spanish official opponent and an employer of the Qing army, feel very embarrassed.

Just after a series of battles, in April, the US Navy blocked the Cuban waters. The blockade line began from Havana, bypassing the western end of the island country to Cienfuegos on the south coast, completely isolated the Cuban Spanish defenders. Then, the Americans announced a series of atrocities they investigated about the Spanish in Cuba. Among them, the centralized area policy implemented by Cuba Governor Weirell became the target of Americans' focus on attacks. In the American propaganda, Weirell became a super executioner. In order to prevent the Cuban people from supporting the rebels, the Spanish governor, in order not to allow the Cuban people to support the rebels, the Spanish governor, was the target of key attacks by the Americans. In the propaganda of the Americans, Weirell became a super executioner. In order to prevent the Cuban people from supporting the rebels, the Spanish governor, was the Spanish governor. , prevent civilians from aiding rebellions in various places, and drive civilians to concentrated areas. As a result, the harsh sanitation conditions in the concentrated areas killed thousands of people, most of whom were women and children... The inhumane practice of "Executioner Weiler" aroused strong reactions from the people in the United States, and people asked the American government to immediately drive the Spanish out of Cuba completely. The American government also took advantage of the situation to issue an ultimatum to the Spanish government, clearly stating that the United States' respect for Spain's rule in Cuba "will be replaced by a higher obligation, and we will recognize and fulfill this obligation without hesitation."

Faced with the strength of the US political power, the Spanish, who had been losing streak, had to ask for help from Britain and France. At the end of April, the two countries started negotiations in Paris, France.

The negotiations were deadlocked at the beginning. Because the Americans' goal at this time was no longer just Cuba. They wanted not only Cuba, but also Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines... And the Spanish were extremely unwilling to give up, especially at this time the United States did not have much influence in the Pacific, and even more so in the Far East. Therefore, the Spanish only wanted to give up Cuba and Puerto Rico, which had been occupied by the US military, but wanted to retain sovereignty over Guam and the Philippines. .The two sides went back and forth, and refused to give in to each other. Although the Americans spoke loudly, they did not have many threats in the face of Spain, which had decided to give up Cuba and Puerto Rico. After all, both the Philippines and Guam were far away in the western Pacific, and the United States had basically no power there and could not threaten the Spanish. Although a large-scale anti-Spanish uprising broke out in the Philippines at this time, it was of no benefit to the United States.

However, just when the negotiations could not continue and the Americans were about to give up temporarily, the Spanish suddenly made a 180-degree turn, and they agreed to give up their sovereignty over the Philippines and Guam. The Americans were inexplicably happy, but they finally obtained the sovereignty of these two places from the Spanish for $12 million. Afterwards, the two sides signed the "Peace Treaty of Paris", with a total of 17 articles of the peace treaty, and the main contents were:

1. Spain renounced all sovereignty claims and ownership over Cuba and occupied it by the United States.

2. Spain transferred Puerto Rico and other Western islands in the West Indies and Guam to the United States.

3. Spain will transfer the islands commonly known as the Philippine Islands to the United States. The United States must pay Spain $12 million within 3 months after the exchange of ratification documents of this treaty.

Fourth, both sides repatriate prisoners of war.

5. After the two countries exchanged the ratification documents of the treaty, the Western army withdrew from the Philippines and Guam. Heavy cannons in various fortresses and coastal fortifications remained in place within 6 months after the treaty came into effect, and the United States could invest in the purchase.

6. The United States promises to allow Spanish ships and cargoes to enter the ports of the Philippine Islands on the same terms as they were obtained by American ships and cargoes within 10 years from the date of the exchange of ratification of the treaty; Spain has the right to establish consulates in ports and places where the territory has been waived or transferred to its sovereignty.

At this point, the Spanish-American War officially ended. The United States won a large number of Spanish colonies through the Paris Peace Treaty, strengthening its political, economic and military status in Latin America and Asia, and opening the prelude to the re-dividing of colonies by the imperialist powers. In this war, the Spanish lost and lost for granted. Although the Americans won, they still won happily, but they were a little confused... Because the Spanish's transformation at the last moment was really too confusing. Why did the "bullfighters" who had lost their power give up the Philippines so easily? And they sold so cheaply, and took action for $12 million... The Philippines is not so worthless, right?

However, the United States is still a powerful country. Although it was a little late, they finally got accurate news a few days after the signing of the Peace of Paris, and finally understood why Spain flashed so quickly and urgently... It turned out that just when the two sides started negotiations in Paris, five German warships were sailing towards the Philippines... His Majesty William II, who had just taken over William I's second German Empire and King of Prussia, showed his strong aggressiveness at the beginning of the throne. He wanted to take advantage of the decline of Spain and the Americans were still unable to look around to seize the Philippines. The five warships have been faced with each other.

The Beiyang Navy fought the Spanish Philippine Squadron, which was basically wiped out, was almost certain. As long as you occupy the port and set up a base of advance, who could resist the German Army, which is known as the world's number one? The Spanish colonial army, which is fighting against the natives of the Philippines, or the US Army, which is still far away in the Caribbean? Spain is one of the European powers and got the news early. How could it be that if you don't react quickly, you will smash the Philippines in your hands? So, as soon as you let go, you sold the Philippines 12 million. As for the others, the peace agreement is settled, it's all the Americans' business. Anyway, they will make sure that the 12 million US dollars will be made.

But Americans are depressed.

They got the news too late, and the German warships were almost reaching Manila. However, they only had a few old-fashioned sailboats on the west coast in the Pacific Ocean. Not to mention that they could not be sent to Manila to seize territory, even if they had a mission, it was still a matter of whether these sailboats could cross the Pacific Ocean.

It’s not so easy to watch the Germans take over the Philippines, which is obviously not in line with the interests of the United States. Everyone beat them to death and finally got such a piece of fat. Why do you take advantage of it? Germany is amazing?

Cleveland government responded quickly. After receiving the news, it immediately assembled a large number of steamers at the port of Panama City. Then, it divided the federal army in Cuba and handed it over to veteran William Scheft, led by veteran William Scheft, crossed the Panama region, boarded a ship, and headed straight to the Philippines. But what is the use of sending the army alone? The US Army suffered from many ills in the decades after the Civil War. Although it has improved over the years after the Red Corps, its combat effectiveness has never been high. In the war with the Spanish, the troops did not perform well, especially when Santiago landed, these federations

The soldiers almost fainted from the command of the landing: it was a quiet and stuffy night. When the soldiers rushed out of the cage-like transport ship, what they did was not to raise their guns in their hands, but to cheer loudly... The first thing the soldiers who rushed to the beach did was not to attack or look for concealment, but to take off their wet clothes on the beach. Some even lit a bonfire on the beach, and then danced around the bonfire, and some simply took a shower nearby... Fortunately, the Spaniards had lost their confidence by the artillery fire of the Atlantic Fleet and did not think of counter-landing, otherwise, it would be a disaster.

Such soldiers gave the Federal Army no confidence to fight with the Red Corps, but the Red Corps relied on the training of British instructors. Britain was just a traditional maritime power. Its army has always been weaker than France, and France is weaker than Germany... Can Scheft grab the Philippines than Germany? In particular, they set out a little later, and the Germans must have arrived in Manila one step ahead of them.

what to do?

The Americans were anxious.

At the critical moment, Guo Jinzhang thought of a solution. He made a suggestion to Cleveland, hiring the Beiyang Navy and taking over the Philippines first... This news was barely approved after an emergency consultation between the Cabinet of Cleveland and the Congress's Foreign Relations Committee. Immediately after, the US ambassador to China asked Li Hongzhang to formally submit the request from the US government. In return, the US government will allow Chinese government government to conduct exploration and mining activities in the Philippines. At the same time, Chinese citizens in the Philippines will also enjoy the same level of treatment as American citizens.

This condition made Li Hongzhang very moved. Because this was the most beneficial time for the Qing government among so many dealings with foreigners. In particular, the Americans also agreed that if the Beiyang Navy was willing to temporarily plant the star-striped flag to accept the Philippines, the Port of Manila will also be opened to the Beiyang Navy in the future... This made Li Hongzhang even more unable to bear it. You must know that Li Dazhongtang has almost always suffered a loss in dealing with foreigners for so many years. How could he have received such treatment? Although he also knew that once he did this, he might offend the strong

The big Germany, like the United States, Germany also does not have much strength in the Far East. Moreover, the Germans have always wanted to continue to build warships for China to establish good relations with China and earn a lot of silver. In this case, even if it offends by chance, nothing big will happen. And, even if something goes wrong, what if there is a problem? With the Beiyang Navy here, will the Germans really dare to take action? The British and French will not be happy. After all, the Americans are far away in North America, while Germany is in Europe.

However, although the analysis was clear, Li Hongzhang, who had always been fearful and doubtful about imperialism, did not dare to make the final decision. Seeing that time was getting tighter, Guo Jinzhang had to use his second hand. On the one hand, Liu Tongfu, who was far away in Beijing, lobbying Yikuang and others, and then letting him lobby Cixi, while threatening to sell the South Manchurian Railway to the Russians, forcing Li Hongzhang to agree. In the end, Li Hongzhang couldn't bear it, and the Beiyang Navy was forced to go south and finally arrived in Manila before the Germans.

The acceptance of the Philippines was completed. Although the Germans were extremely dissatisfied with this, it was not their intention to offend China and the United States at the same time. Moreover, seizing the Philippines without complying with international rules when the United States and the West had signed a peace treaty. In addition, there were differences within Germany. Many people, including Bismarck, opposed this action, and William II first took the initiative. Therefore, in the end, the mission of the five warships changed from seizing the Philippines to visiting China, and a storm passed without any danger.

But this has not been finished. After Sheft led the army to the Philippines and received the new colony from the Beiyang Navy, the American political team generously gave Cixi 500,000 US dollars to show remuneration. As a result, the Empress Dowager Lafayette, who felt respected enough, immediately issued an imperial edict, just like the treatment of the Americans to the Chinese in the Philippines, and also gave the Americans the same treatment in the Northeast. At the same time, they were allowed to open mines and set up factories in the Northeast... When Li Hongzhang and others got the news and rushed over to dissuade them, the imperial edict had been issued and could not be collected.

...

After finally solving the troubles in the Far East, the Americans could finally put their spirit back to Cuba. Originally, at the beginning of the war with the Spanish, the Americans had declared that they were trying to make Cuba a fortune and said they would never annex Cuba. But now that the Spanish-American War was over, the Americans were reluctant to recognize Cuba, but still occupied Cuba with military force and refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Cuban rebels. This caused quite a degree of dissatisfaction in Cuba. Although the rebels were not very strong, their combat effectiveness was not weak. Under the command of the leaders of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, they began to harass the US military frequently. As a result, the interests of the United States in Cuba, especially plantations and sugar processing industries with significant profits, suffered considerable losses.

The situation in Cuba has been unable to stabilize. Benjamin Harrison, who was originally at a disadvantage in the presidential election, immediately seized this point and attacked Cleveland's policies. In desperation, Cleveland screened the Cuban Revolutionary Party through the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and finally elected Estrada Palma, who lived in the United States for a long time, intending to support this person to the throne of Cuban leaders. Under the pressure from the United States and the desire for the **, the Republican conservatives led by Jose Miguel Gomez and the national liberals led by Alfre Zayas, finally decided to give up the armed struggle and instead support Estrada Palma.

Soon, Palma was elected president. Cuba declared the ** and was recognized by the US politics.

However, although the United States took a step back, it did not lose its power in Cuba. On the contrary, after ensuring Palma's control over Cuba, the United States actually gained the rule of Cuba. In addition, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Committee, Ovira Pratt also imposed his carefully crafted constitutional amendment into the Cuban Constitution. According to this constitutional amendment, the United States leased Guantanamo Bay and Onda Bay in Cuba as naval bases. Not only that, according to the Pratt Amendment:

The Cuban government shall never sign a treaty or other contract with any foreign force that would or could potentially damage Cuba's supreme nature, nor shall it be authorized or permitted in any way to obtain any part of the island occupied or controlled by colonization, for military or naval purposes or other means."

The Cuban government should not bear or agree on any public debt and interest payment, nor can it establish a reasonable debt repayment fund to repay the debt mentioned above. The ordinary income of the entire island is not enough to cover the daily expenses of the government.

The Cuban government agreed that the United States could exercise intervention in safeguarding Cuba’s precepts to maintain a proper government for the protection of life, property and individual freedoms, and to fulfill the obligations imposed by the Paris Treaty on the United States to the Cuban government now undertake and carry out.

All such actions by the United States during its military presence in Cuba have been applied for approval and confirmation, and all legal rights are thus retained and protected.

The Cuban government will implement and provide, where possible, urban sanitation plans or other plans on the island that have been jointly agreed upon by both sides, in order to prevent possible reoccurrence of epidemics and infectious diseases, thereby ensuring protection of Cuban people and commerce, as well as the protection of commercial ports and residents in the southern United States.”

The Pine Island, which is currently actually occupied by the US military, should be omitted from the boundaries in the Constitution, and its ownership shall be adjusted by future treaties.

In order to enable the United States to maintain Cuba's virility and protect its people, and for its own defense needs, the Cuban government will sell or lease to certain specific locations where the U.S. president will agree on the coal needed or establish naval bases.

The Cuban government will ensure that the above-mentioned agreement with the United States will be permanently valid in the treaty in the future.

...

In other words, through this Pratt amendment, the United States finally seized the fruits of Cuba's more than 20 years of war and finally "legitimately" grasped Cuba. As a result, Cuba became a commodity dumping place for the United States, which also caused Cuba's economy to fall into depression and hunger all over the country...

...


Chapter completed!