In the Pacific the Government obtained Midway and Wake islands in 1900.

In the West Indies, the harbor of Guantanamo was secured from Cuba, and in 1903 a treaty was made with Denmark for the purchase of her islands--which, however, finally became American possessions only in 1917.
By her policy toward Cuba, the United States gave the world a striking example of observing the plighted word even when contrary to the national interest.

For a century the United States had expected to acquire the "Pearl of the Antilles." Spain in the treaty of peace refused to recognize the Cuban Government and relinquished the island into the hands of the United States.

The withdrawal of the Spanish troops left the Cuban Government utterly unable to govern, and the United States was forced to occupy the island.

Nevertheless the Government had begun the war with a recognition of Cuban independence and to that declaration it adhered.