The belligerents do not share one set of war aims. A hard-line American government seeks to rally the Americas against European influence, while Britain primarily wants apologies, concessions, and a limited settlement; Germany may want a more expansive victory. Britain could return Cuba to Spain, hand it to Portugal, or support a pro-British administration, with each choice serving a different diplomatic purpose. Giving the Philippines to Germany would reward an ally while forcing Berlin to maintain a larger and more vulnerable East Asia Squadron.
Notable Point · 58:50-1:01:43
Conflicting war aims and island bargaining
American continental ambitions collide with allied demands for apology and compensation, turning Cuba and the Philippines into bargaining pieces with different value to Britain, Germany, and Spain.