1895: Jose Marti and Maximo Gomez lead Cuban revolution against Spanish colonialists.

1896: Filipino nationalists revolt against the Spanish rule that has controlled thePhilippines since the sixteenth century.

1898: Months of tension between the United States andSpain climax in war.

1899: The Treaty of Paris is ratified by the Senate in a 57-27 vote. Under the terms of the treaty, the U.S. gains possession of Cuba,Puerto Rico. Guam, and for $20 million, thePhilippines.

Today: Although Guam and Puerto Rico remain U.S. territories, the Philippines andCuba are independent countries.

1890s: Just as newspaper stories promoted the conflict, popular songs celebrate the Spanish-American War by honoring its heroes and victories. Songs like "Brave Dewey and His Men" and "The Charge of the Roosevelt Riders" laud war heroes Commodore Dewey and Theodore Roosevelt. Other songs, like 'Ma Filipino Babe" and "The Belle of Manila," sentimentalized the struggles abroad and...