The Spanish-American War

The Causes of the War– economic interests American businessmen coveted trade with Cuban sugar plantations. They also saw this island as a growing market for American goods– remember the surplus!!! The Spanish empire was declining during this time period When Jose Marti, a Cuban patriot, led a revolution against Spain, the businessmen backed him to ensure trade was maintained. What was this similar to? Hawaii! The Cubans utilized guerilla tactics and raids against the Spanish. The Spanish general Weyler responded by placing the natives in reconcentration camps. American property was destroyed in the fighting between the two, and coupled with the Spanish brutality, many Americans had sympathy for the rebels.

The Causes of the War– yellow journalism Newspaper publishers William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer were in a fierce battle to sell newspapers. The violence in Cuba presented them with this opportunity. They stretched the happenings in Cuba to attract readers– known as yellow journalism. Yellow journalism sensationalized (exaggerated) events to make Americans more sympathetic. They exaggerated the Spanish’s actions and drew on the American public’s patriotism by likening the Cuban rebels to those of the American Revolution. Hearst further encouraged war by publishing the de Lome letter– a letter written by Spain’s ambassador to D.C. that openly criticized President McKinley. This fueled an aggressive American patriotism known as jingoism.

The Causes of the War– explosion of the Maine McKinley had ordered the U.S. battleship U.S.S. Maine to Havana harbor for the protection of American citizens. When the U.S.S. Maine exploded, there was a rush to blame Spain, fueled by American nationalism. This was a prime example of the ‘yellow journalism’ tactics. The cause was later found to be an engine explosion, instead. Americans rallied around the cry “Remember the Maine!” as they pushed for war with Spain.

Going to War McKinley asked Congress for a declaration of war on April 11th, 1898, citing: “…in the name of humanity, in the name of civilization, in behalf of endangered American interests.” The United States passed 4 resolutions regarding war with Spain. The 4th resolution became known as the ‘Teller Amendment’ and specifically declared that the U.S. would NOT annex Cuba. The Navy blockaded Cuban ports and McKinley called for 100,000 volunteer troops. Spain officially declared war.

Fighting During the War The Philippines were also in control of the Spanish. The US went after this location in retaliation. Commodore George Dewey’s fleet attacked the Spanish by sea, while Filipino freedom fighter, Emilio Aguinaldo, led a group that employed guerilla warfare. The Spanish were quickly defeated in Manila Bay, with only 1 American casualty. Theodore Roosevelt led a voluntary cavalry unit known as the Rough Riders. They were credited with the taking of the strategic location of San Juan Hill, along with African American units, a very strategic vantage point

Effects of the War After the war, the U.S. and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris (1898). These were the stipulations: Spain would give up control of Puerto Rico, Guam and Cuba; The U.S. acquired the Philippines from Spain for $20 million America’s new role as a world power was not shared by all. The debate over the Philippines separated the U.S. into two factions: imperialists and anti-imperialists, signifying a major division amongst the American people. The treaty (as it stood) was ratified by 1 vote in the Senate. Opponents of imperialism included: William Jennings Bryan, Mark Twain and Henry Cabot Lodge.