The SPANISH – AMERICAN WAR 1898 October 19, 2017

The Beginning Pulitzer’s World vs. William Randolph Hearst’s Journal Leads to Yellow Journalism Sensational news stories Favorite Subject was the brutal suppression of a rebellion in Cuba. Responsible for garnishing public support for going to war with Spain.

Cuba vs. Spain 1868 revolutionary group largely made up of poor whites, free blacks, and slaves demanded independence from Spain. Revolutionaries wanted to establish a republic and end slavery. Spain will crush the revolt but agreed to ease tensions. At the same time Cuba was coming under the economic influence of the United States. Great place to trade and invest especially in the sugar plantations. 1895 Cubans will Rebel again. Cuba rebels will engage in guerrilla warfare launching surprise attacks against Spanish Forces and fading back into the countryside. Spain will send General Weyler to put down the uprising. Weyler forced tens of thousands of Cubans into reconcentration camps. Overcrowded, unsanitary prison camps provided little food or shelter, resulting in thousands of deaths from disease and starvation.

Mass Media Responds Mass Media – methods of communicating to mass audience. Reporters and artists were encouraged to stretch the truth about the bravery of Cuban rebels and the horrors of Spanish rule. Helped stir public support for U.S. intervention to aid the rebels.

Tensions Boil Between Spain and the U.S. De Lome letter Enrique Dupuy de Lome, the Spanish ambassador to Washington called President McKinley “weak and catering to the rabble and besides, a low politician.” USS Maine sunk in Havana Harbor The Maine sailed to Cuba in January after riots broke out in the streets. February 15, a large explosion rocked the battleship 260 sailors died from the blast. Initial investigation concluded that the explosion was caused by an underwater mine. 1976, Navy researchers concluded that heat from a fire in a coal bin exploded a nearby supply of ammunition. McKinley called for an armistice where he asked Spain to close the reconcentration camps and take steps to grant Cuba its independence. Spain will agree to everything but giving Cuba its independence. U.S. will declare war on Spain.

Spanish American War Congress passed the Teller Amendment – once Cuba was liberated and peace was restored, the U.S. would leave the government and control of the Island to its people. War will last only a few months. Battle in the Philippines – Spanish fleet was sunk in Manila Bay. Battle in Cuba – Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and American Navy destroyed the Spanish squadron as it tried to escape.

End of the War Treaty of Paris – 3 main points: 1) Spain granted independence to Cuba; 2) Ceded Puerto Rico and Guam; 3) Ceded the Philippines to the U.S. in exchange for $20 million. U.S will withdraw its troops in 1902 from Cuba after Cuba added provisions to its constitution to protect American interests. Platt Amendment allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs and to buy or lease land for naval bases. Will be repealed in 1934. U.S. investment will increase to $220 million; and U.S. business will own 60% of Cuba’s rural lands and many of the island’s industries. The United States will be now considered a World Super Power and an Imperialistic Power.