Progressive Era (1890-1913) Spanish prisoners at Guantanamo, June 14, 1898 U.S. Marines Land at Guantanamo Bay June 10, 1898 In 1898, an independence movement in Cuba led to conflict between Cubans and their Spanish rulers. The U.S. demanded that Spain withdraw from Cuba and allow the islanders to rule themselves, but Spain refused and declared war on the U.S. This war would result in the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Western Hemisphere. page 2 of 3 Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us