Guam Acquisition

Definition

The Guam Acquisition refers to when the United States gained control over Guam as part of the Treaty of Paris at end of Spanish American War in 1898.

Analogy

Think about playing a game of chess. You manage to outmaneuver your opponent (Spain) and capture one of their pawns (Guam). Now that pawn is under your control on the chessboard (the Pacific).

Related terms

Organic Act 1950: This act established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States, providing for its governance and bill of rights.

Naval Base: After acquisition, Guam was used by U.S as a strategic naval base in Pacific.

Pacific Islands: Refers to other islands in Pacific region like Philippines and Hawaii that were also under U.S influence or control during this period.