Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. – Mark 4:3
The United States and the Kingdom of Spain signed the Treaty of Paris on this day in 1898, ending the Spanish Empire and solidifying America as a global power. Spain had controlled many colonies in the Caribbean for centuries, though the people of those colonies had grown restless under Spanish rule. Revolts in Cuba, one of Spain’s colonies, had been occurring for decades. However, the February 1898 sinking of the USS Maine in Havana’s harbor brought all of America’s naval might to assist Cuba against the waning Spanish Empire. Six months later, France volunteered to serve as the location for both countries to sign a peace treaty ending the conflict, with Spain ceding most of its territories to the United States. The treaty was ratified in April of the following year.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For the president and secretary of state as they consider and negotiate agreements with other nations.
- For diplomats and ambassadors to seek God’s guidance as they represent the U.S. around the world.
