The Spanish American War Chapter 11: American Imperialism
Cuba Last Spanish held territory in the Americas Since 1868 Cuban attempts to gain Independence Weyler the Butcher- forcing Cubans into depleted parts of Cuba, fortified towns, 400,000 died due to malnurishment
US interests in Cuba Location- 90 miles from Florida 90% of Cuba’s exports go to US President McKinley unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a peace treaty between Spain and Cuban independence groups
Factors Leading to War De Lome Letter Spanish Minister to the US Private letter was published in New York Journal (February 1898) Critical of President McKinley Americans were insulted and angry
Factors: USS Maine Battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor (February 1898) 260 Americans die Spain is blamed (underwater mine or saboteur) “Remember the Maine” Actually an accident; boiler explodes or munitions ignited
Yellow Journalism Shocking and dramatic newspaper stories Facts are less important than an exciting story Named after comic strip character “Yellow Kid” Increased public support for the war with Spain
New York Journal William Randolph Hearst- owner of NY Journal “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.” Exaggerated reports of Spanish mistreatment of Cubans
“Splendid Little War” Only15 weeks of fighting US beats one of the old major powers of Europe: Spain
Rough Riders Yellow journalists focus on his victories Cavalry led by Teddy Roosevelt Yellow journalists focus on his victories Contributes to popularity; offered VP of McKinley Buffalo Soldiers Segregated unit with white officers Elite cavalry that fought in the American West
Treaty of Paris, Dec. 1898 US pays $20 million for the Philippines US gained Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and Philippines US pays $20 million for the Philippines Marked the end of the Spanish Empire in America Marked the beginning of the US as a colonial power
Philippines Fought US for 3 years in a failed attempt for independence US brutally crushes the uprising Casualties 4,000 American soldiers 100,000+ Filipinos die (mostly civilians) US gives the Philippines its independence in 1946
REVIEW How did the US gain control of Hawaii? What is the Roosevelt Corollary? Name THREE reasons why the US got involved in a war with Spain. Who were the Rough Riders and Buffalo Soldiers? How did the US gain control of the Philippines?