The Spanish-American War American Imperialism The Spanish-American War

Cuba’s Role 1898 – Cuba a colony of Spain 1868-1898 – Cubans revolt Spanish used harsh tactics (concentration camps, etc.) 200,000 Cubans killed

America’s Role Americans sympathetic to Cuba Yellow Journalists – told gruesome stories about Cuba William Randolph Hearst – most famous owner of a yellow journalism paper

“Newspapers form and express public opinion “Newspapers form and express public opinion. They suggest and control legislation. They declare wars. They punish criminals. The newspapers control the nation . . . “

Hearst’s Role “I have been through one war. I have seen the dead piled up, and I do not want to see another.” Pushed for US intervention in his newspaper, the New York Journal President McKinley resisted

Spain’s Role February 1898, The Journal publishes the “De Lôme Letter” Spanish letter, intercepted by Cuban spy, sold to Hearst Called McKinley “weak.” Americans outraged

Story of the USS Maine

The USS Maine’s Role Feb. 15th, the Maine exploded Killed 260 sailors Journal Headline: “DESTRUCTION OF THE WAR SHIP MAINE WAS THE WORK OF AN ENEMY!”

Where Is The Headline??? Oh! THERE it is! What was the opinion of other papers? Where Is The Headline??? Oh! THERE it is!

Fighting in Cuba US unprepared for land battles 5400 Americans killed – 5000 from disease and food poisoning July, Spain surrendered

Real History v. Idealized History

Philippines After the War Filipinos fight Americans for 3 years Freedom fighters crushed in 1902 Congress passes Philippine Government Act – giving US control of government Not revoked until 1946

Cuba After the War US wanted to protect business investments Set up a military government Would remove troops only if Cuba accepted the Platt Amendment – Limited Cuban sovereignty – could not make treaties and let US oversee its affairs Required US leases on land for military purposes Created a protectorate until 1934