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Events on Friday 12 August 1898 2
1898Spanish-American WarUnited States defeats Spain in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the PhilippinesThe United States declared war on Spain on 25 April 1898 after the sinking of the USS Maine, fighting brief campaigns in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Spanish forces surrendered within months, and an armistice was signed on 12 August 1898. The war marked Spain's loss of its remaining major colonies and the emergence of the United States as an imperial power.
1898United States annexes HawaiiNewlands Resolution brings the Hawaiian Islands under US controlPresident William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution annexing the Republic of Hawaii on 7 July 1898, and formal transfer of sovereignty took place in Honolulu on 12 August 1898. Annexation followed years of lobbying by American planters after the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. Hawaii became a US territory and later the 50th state.