December 10, 1898
In France, the Treaty of Paris was signed, formally ending the Spanish-American War and granting the United States its first overseas empire. The Spanish empire was virtually dissolved as the United States took over much of Spain’s overseas holdings. Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States, the Philippines were bought for $20 million, and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. Philippine insurgents who fought against Spanish rule during the war immediately turned their guns against the new occupiers, and 10 times more U.S. troops died suppressing the Philippines than in defeating Spain.
December 10, 1948
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since 1950 the anniversary of the declaration has been known as Human Rights Day. Article Five of the UNDHR states: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.“
