Chapter 59  Fire. Payment

The newspapers were ablaze with headlines proclaiming the implementation of the peace treaty between the United States and Spain. Most articles painted America's actions in a favorable light, lauding their supposed liberation of colonies.

This narrative resonated with the public for two reasons. First, Spain's infamous history of exploitation was widely known and easy to condemn. Second, America's declaration of colonial liberation played into the Western ideal of altruism.

The citizens of imperial powers supported their own colonial expansions but paradoxically saw other nations' colonies as pitiable. It was this hypocrisy—harsh judgment for others and leniency for oneself—that made America's actions appear noble.

"Liberation?" a voice muttered, laced with skepticism. "What utter nonsense."

Would a country like America, having tasted the fruits of expansion, truly relinquish its colonies?