<P> The controversial treaty was eventually approved on February 6, 1899, by a vote 57 to 27, only one vote more than the two - thirds majority required . Only two Republicans voted against ratification, George Frisbie Hoar of Massachusetts and Eugene Pryor Hale of Maine . Senator Nelson W. Aldrich had opposed entry into the Spanish--American War, but supported McKinley when it began . He played a central role in winning two - thirds Senate approval of the Treaty of Paris . </P> <P> The Treaty of Paris provided that Cuba would become independent from Spain but the U.S. Congress made sure it would be under indirect U.S. control through the Platt Amendment . Specifically, Spain relinquished all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba . Upon Spain's departure from Cuba, it was to be occupied by the United States, and the United States would assume and discharge any obligations that under international law could result from the fact of its occupation . </P> <P> The Treaty also assured that Spain would cede to the United States the island of Puerto Rico and other islands then under Spanish sovereignty in the West Indies, as well as the island of Guam in the Marianas Islands . </P> <P> The Treaty specified that Spain would cede to the United States the archipelago of the Philippine Islands, and comprehending the islands lying within a specified line . </P>

Briefly describe the terms of the treaty of paris of 1898