(A) Most people overwhelmingly supported the treaty and liked the idea of the United States establishing a colonial empire.
(B) People did not have an opinion because they were too busy celebrating the United States’ rapid victory over Spain.
(C) ** Most people were appalled that leaders signed the treaty, believing that having colonies contradicted American ideals of democracy and freedom.
(D) Some people believed imperialism violated the country’s founding ideals while others believed that forming an empire was critical to the country’s success.
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -Apart from guaranteeing the independence of Cuba, the treaty also forced Spain to cede Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. Spain also agreed to sell the Philippines to the United States for the sum of $20 million. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on February 6, 1899, by a margin of only one vote.
Concept note-2: -Representatives of Spain and the United States signed a peace treaty in Paris on December 10, 1898, which established the independence of Cuba, ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the United States, and allowed the victorious power to purchase the Philippines Islands from Spain for $20 million.
Concept note-3: -The treaty was signed on December 10, 1898.
Concept note-4: -The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War, and forced Spain to cede the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the United States. In return, the United States paid Spain $20 million for the Philippines. President William McKinley was then faced with the decision of what to do with the Philippines.