Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 219: The Peace Treaty

August 1896 – Washington D.C.

The war had been won, but peace was yet to be secured.

President Matthew Hesh sat in the White House Cabinet Room, surrounded by his closest advisors. The once-booming war room, filled with military strategies and troop movements, now served as the nerve center for Amerathia’s diplomatic future.

The message from Madrid lay on the table before him, officially acknowledging Spain’s surrender and requesting peace negotiations.

Matthew exhaled, rubbing his temple. "It’s time to end this."

Secretary of War Thomas Sinclair nodded. "They don’t have a choice. We’ve shattered their forces, taken their colonies, and humiliated them on the world stage."

Across the table, Secretary of State Richard Alden looked over the diplomatic documents. "They’re desperate to negotiate, but we shouldn’t expect them to surrender everything willingly."

Admiral Jonathan Welles, commander of the Amerathian Navy, tapped his fingers on the table. "They know they can’t hold Cuba, Puerto Rico, or the Philippines. The real question is, how do we make sure they never threaten us again?"

Matthew leaned back. "We dictate the terms. They will sign whatever we put in front of them."

Bradford, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, smirked. "Then let’s not waste time. We need to press our advantage."

Sinclair slid a document forward. "We need a negotiating team in Madrid within a week. We’ll need diplomats, military representatives, and economic advisors. Alden should lead it."

Matthew nodded. "Alden, assemble your team. I want ironclad terms—Spain will not have a chance to return as a threat."

Alden inclined his head. "Understood, Mr. President."

August 10, 1896 - Madrid Spain.

The Amerathian delegation arrived under heavy security, escorted by armed guards. Spain was in turmoil—its government in shambles, its people furious over the loss of its empire.

Protests erupted outside the Royal Palace, where the negotiations were to be held. Spanish citizens raged against their government, furious at the humiliation their country had suffered.

Inside the palace, Alden and his delegation faced Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Soriano and his top ministers.

Soriano looked exhausted, his face pale as he greeted the Amerathians.

Alden wasted no time. "Gentlemen, you requested peace. Here are our terms."

A thick folder was placed before Soriano. His hands trembled as he opened it.

The Amerathian Terms of Surrender

Spain will formally cede Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to Amerathia.

Spain will withdraw all military forces from these territories within 60 days.

Spain will renounce any future claim to these territories.

Spain will pay war reparations of 150 million florins.

Amerathia will allow safe passage for Spanish civilians and officials evacuating the territories.

Matthew clenched his jaw. "This is the end of a war, nothing more."

Bradford leaned in, voice dripping with satisfaction. "Congress doesn’t see it that way. The people don’t see it that way."

Matthew took a deep breath.

He had never wanted conquest. He had never wanted expansion.

But the world had changed.

And so had Amerathia.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he signed the treaty.

The moment the treaty was signed, Amerathia’s future was altered forever.

Newspapers declared Amerathia’s dominance:

"Amerathia Seizes Victory—A New Power Rises!"

"From Havana to Manila—Our Nation’s Reach Expands!"

"The Empire of Amerathia?"

Across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, Amerathian troops took formal control, raising their flag over Spanish forts and palaces.

The world had taken notice.

Britain sent diplomats, eager to establish stronger ties.

Japan watched Amerathia’s expansion with interest—and concern.

Germany expressed displeasure at Amerathia’s growing influence in the Pacific.

Inside Amerathia, Congress debated the future. Some wanted full annexation of the new territories, others pushed for independence movements.

And then there was Bradford.

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy had orchestrated this war from the shadows. And he wasn’t done yet.

In a private meeting, he approached a group of senators, holding a new map of the Pacific.

"We have control of the Philippines," he whispered. "But why stop there?"

Guam. The Carolines. The Marianas. Even China.

His ambitions knew no limits.

Amerathia had won the war.

But now, a new battle was beginning—the battle for what kind of nation Amerathia would become. However—is that Matthew himself really wanted? Because as of right now, he is satisfied with the territory that he had gotten prior to the war.