On this day, 127 years ago, on April 21, 1898 (March 1, 1898), the Spanish-American War broke out. On April 21, 1898, the Spanish-American War broke out. The Spanish-American War was the first imperialist war since capitalism entered the era of imperialism. The purpose of this war was to seize new colonies from Spain, a relatively backward power, in order to re-divide the world. Cuba and Puerto Rico were the first places of attention for the United States, not only because they were important sources of raw materials and investment, but more importantly because they were located at the key points leading to Central America, the Caribbean Sea, and the narrow land of Panama. They were important strategic strongholds. In addition, the United States also needed the Philippine Islands at that time, because the United States knew that this was an important stronghold that would enable it to open up the East Asian market. For these reasons, war between the United States and the West has become inevitable. On February 15, 1898, the US warship "Maine" anchored in Havana, under the circumstances of no one knowing the reason, suddenly exploded, which became the trigger for the US to launch a war. Spain tried to avoid military conflict, but after many efforts, everything was in vain. On April 20, 1898, the United States finally sent an ultimatum to Spain, demanding that the West give up Cuba. When Spain was about to make concessions and seek peace, the United States suddenly started military operations on the 21st. The war launched by the United States on Cuban soil seemed on the surface to support Cuba's national liberation struggle and to give the Cuban insurgents the main burden of the war, but when Spain announced its surrender and held negotiations, the Americans refused to send representatives of the Cuban insurgents and openly occupied Cuba in their place. The United States received all the demands it had originally needed, and Cuba became its protectorate. The Philippine Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam were also ceded to it. The Spanish-American War (April 1898 - August 1898) lasted three months. The war is often referred to as the final struggle of the Spanish Empire and the dawn of the American century, but considering that the war lasted only about three months, there is really nothing to brag about. The so-called "glorious war" that "liberated" Cuba began in April 1898. The reason was a mysterious explosion of an American warship near Cuba, and the United States pointed the murderer at Spain. The war ended in August of that year, and the war spread to Spain's colonies in the Pacific Ocean. The US government claimed to ensure the safety of shipping routes to Asian markets. In December, the two sides signed a peace agreement, Cuba gained independence, Puerto Rico and Guam were administered by the United States, and the United States purchased the Philippines for $20 million. There is another view of the length of the war. The United States soon fell into a bloody resistance in the Philippines, although not long ago the Filipinos were fighting alongside the United States. In the end, the U.S. military suppressed the resistance and did not recognize Philippine independence until 1946.