Events that Lead up to The Spanish American War 1825-1898

Introduction 1492 Spain sailed across the Atlantic and colonized the American Indian nations Eventually, the Spanish empire extended from Virginia to California and Alaska, and south to South America (not including Brazil)

1825 Spain had lost most of its territory, but still had control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines Islands, the Carolina Islands, Marshall Islands, and the Mariana Islands (which included Guam) in Micronesia.

cuba Cuba was the first island to begin fighting for independence after the liberation of mainland Latin America. Mambises, guerilla fighters, fought for autonomy from Spain from 1868- 1878, and this war was ended with a treaty that was never actually enforced.

José Marti “El apóstol” Cuban Revolutionary Party- January 5, 1892

In the 1890’s Cuba began to fight for independence once again In the 1890’s Cuba began to fight for independence once again. Their moral leader was José Marti. Marti established the Cuban Revolutionary Party in the United States, but after the grito de Baire (the call to arms that took place on February 24, 1895) he returned to Cuba to help the fight. Marti was killed on May 19, 1895. Cuba 1890’s

The Philippines islands José Rizal Liga Filipina Andrés Bonifacio Katipunan

Traveled Europe and wrote novels from 1882 to 1892. José Rizal Member of a wealthy mestizo family and was angry that his upper mobility was limited by the Spanish insistence for “pure-blooded” Spaniards. Began political career at the University of Madrid in 1882; became the leader of the Filipino students. Traveled Europe and wrote novels from 1882 to 1892. Returned to Manila in 1892 and founded the Liga Filipina, a group dedicated to peaceful change Eventually exiled to Mindanao

Was arrested and executed May 10, 1897 Andrés bonifacio In the absence of Rizal, Bonifacio founded Katipunan which was dedicated to a violent overthrow of Spanish rule Issued Grito do Balintawak, a call for revolt, on August 26, 1896 after learning that Katipunan had been betrayed. Was arrested and executed May 10, 1897

Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy Had Bonifacio arrested and executed. Succeeded Bonifacio as leader of the revolution. Made a deal with Spain and was exiled to Hong Kong. There he bought weapons and continued the revolutionary fight.

The United States of America President Cleveland President McKinley

The United States had been interested in purchasing Cuba for quite some time. After the end of the Ten Years War, American sugar interests bought land in Cuba. Changes in the U.S. sugar tariff helped revamp revolutionary enthusiasm. President Grover Cleveland stated that the U.S. would remain neutral on June 12, 1895, but the excitement for war continued. The sentiment for war increased after the implement of the policy of Reconcentration by General Valeriano Weyler. This moved citizens to central locations protected by Spanish troops, and the country was placed under martial law in February 1896. President Cleveland changed his statement about neutrality on December 7, 1896 when he stated that the U.S. may need to intervene if Spain did not end the crisis in Cuba.

President William McKinley, inaugurated March 4, 1897, was much more anxious for war. McKinley was pushed toward involvement on February 9, 1898 when the New York Journal published a letter criticizing the U.S. President written by a Spanish Foreign Minister. On February 15, 1898 the U.S.S. Maine was bombed, and on March 9, 1898 congressed passed a law allocating that $50 million be used to build on the strength of the military. On March 28, 1898 the Naval Court of Inquiry found the mine that caused the explosion on the U.S.S Maine. On April 21, 1898 President McKinley ordered a blockade of Cuba.

The Beginning of war Four days after the blockade of Cuba, the United States of America declared war. The Spanish American War began April 25, 1898 and lasted until December 10, 1898.

The end of the War December 10, 1898

The Philippines Islands The Spanish American War ended with the Treaty of Paris. Spain ended up losing control over most of its oversea empire. This empire included: Cuba Puerto Rico The Philippines Islands Guam And many other Islands Treaty of Paris December 10, 1898

References www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/intro.html