The ink had barely dried on the Treaty of Madrid, but the war drums had not yet stopped beating. Even as Amerathia celebrated its decisive victory over Spain, a new debate consumed the halls of government.
What now?
President Matthew Hesh sat in his office, surrounded by maps, documents, and reports detailing the administration of Amerathia's newly acquired territories. Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines—each a prize taken from a crumbling Spanish Empire, each presenting its own unique challenges.
Outside, Washington buzzed with activity. The war had propelled Amerathia to the forefront of global power, and the streets were alive with patriotic fervor. Flags waved on every corner, bands played triumphant marches, and newspapers declared Amerathia's rise as a dominant force in the world.
Yet, within the White House, the mood was far less celebratory.
