Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 220: Matthew’s Decision on the Territories

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.

Seated across from him were his closest advisors—Secretary of War Thomas Sinclair, Secretary of State Richard Alden, Admiral Jonathan Welles, and Chief of Staff Henry Collins. The discussion was heated, as it had been for days.

Sinclair was the first to speak. "Mr. President, we need to make a decision. Congress is moving fast. They want full annexation of all newly acquired territories."

Matthew leaned back, exhaling slowly. "Do they understand what that means?"

Alden interjected. "They don’t care, sir. They see this as an opportunity to expand Amerathia’s influence permanently."

Matthew’s gaze hardened. "This war was fought for justice, not empire. We retaliated for the attack on the USS Resolute. We destroyed Spain’s hold in the Caribbean and the Pacific. That was the mission."

Bradford, leaning against the far wall with his usual smirk, finally spoke. "Mr. President, with all due respect, the mission changed the moment we won."

Matthew’s jaw tightened. "I don’t remember asking for your opinion, Bradford."

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Bradford ignored the jab, stepping forward. "Sir, I’ve been meeting with influential senators over the past week. There’s overwhelming support for keeping the Philippines. We need it as a strategic base. Without it, we can’t compete in the Pacific."

Matthew studied him carefully. "Compete with whom?"

Bradford’s smile widened. "Britain. Japan. Germany. Heck even China. They’re all watching us closely, and if we step back now, they’ll fill the void. Are you willing to let that happen?"

A long silence filled the room.

The Fate of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines

Matthew tapped his fingers on the desk. "Let’s go over our options."

Sinclair nodded and opened a folder. "We have three primary courses of action."

Full Annexation – Amerathia absorbs Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines into its territory permanently. They would become Amerathian holdings, governed directly by Washington.

Protectorate Status – Amerathia maintains military and economic control but allows local governments to operate under Amerathian supervision.

Independence – Amerathia withdraws and grants independence to the territories, either immediately or after a transition period.

Matthew exhaled. "Cuba and Puerto Rico—what’s the situation there?"

Alden adjusted his glasses. "Cuba is in better shape than the Philippines. The Cuban rebels fought alongside us against the Spanish, and many of them expect independence."

Sinclair added, "We could install a friendly government there and maintain influence without outright ruling them."

Matthew nodded. "And Puerto Rico?"

"Puerto Rico has no strong independence movement, unlike Cuba," Alden explained. "It’s small, easy to manage, and would make an excellent naval station."

Matthew turned to the map of the Philippines. "And Manila?"

Welles cleared his throat. "Sir, the Philippines is a different story. It’s a massive archipelago, thousands of islands, millions of people. They don’t see us as liberators."

Matthew’s expression darkened. "So if we stay, we fight a new war?"

Sinclair nodded grimly. "Possibly, sir."

Bradford leaned forward, his eyes gleaming. "Then we crush the resistance before it begins."

Matthew’s stomach turned at the coldness in his voice.

Bradford continued. "If we withdraw, Japan or Germany will take the Philippines within a decade. This is our one shot to establish Amerathia as the dominant power in the Pacific."

Matthew took a deep breath, weighing the options.

The debate in the White House was nothing compared to the firestorm in Congress.

Senators and Representatives were divided—some demanded annexation, others insisted on granting independence.

The pro-expansion camp, led by men like Bradford, argued that Amerathia’s future lay in overseas empire.

"The world has changed," one senator declared on the floor. "Amerathia has become a great power. If we do not seize this moment, we will never get another."

Opponents, however, warned of the dangers. "We fought Spain to defend our people, not to become a colonial overlord," another senator countered.

Newspapers fueled the debate. Editorials and political cartoons flooded the press, depicting Amerathia either as a noble liberator or a ruthless imperialist.

Public opinion was split—many celebrated the victory, but not all wanted to rule foreign lands.

Finally, after days of debate, Matthew called a final meeting.

"I’ve made my decision."

The room fell silent.

"Cuba will be granted independence under an Amerathian-backed government. Puerto Rico will become an Amerathian territory. The Philippines… will remain under Amerathian administration for now, with plans for gradual self-governance."

Sinclair nodded in approval. "That’s a balanced decision, sir."

Bradford grimaced, but Matthew cut him off before he could object.

"This is final. We are not an empire. We will not rule people who do not want to be ruled and there is no economic benefit in integrating them to our country as they will be an additional expense. We already got many of them when we won during the war against Colombia, I am not going to get greedy and lose everything that we have gained for nothing."

Bradford’s jaw tightened, but he forced a smile. "As you say, Mr. President."

Congress ratified the treaty, and Amerathia officially took control of its new holdings.

Cuba’s provisional government was established, preparing for independence within five years.

Puerto Rico became an Amerathian territory, with new naval bases under construction.

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The Philippines remained under Amerathian rule, but resistance movements began forming in the shadows.

But—within Amerathia itself, Bradford and his allies were not done.

Behind closed doors, they plotted their next move.

"We have the Philippines," he whispered to his supporters. "Now we just need the right excuse to expand further."

Amerathia had won its first great war.

But another battle loomed—one not fought with guns and ships, but with ideals, ambition, and the very soul of the nation itself.