Spanish-American War

Causes of the War Cuba was a colony of Spain; they wanted independence. Cuba declares independence in 1895- Spain not happy!

White House was Neutral American supported Cuba because of Yellow Journalism—making up or exaggerating stories (sensationalism) of Spain’s cruel treatment of Cubans.

William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer competed through NY newspapers to tell the best stories- not always true!

"You furnish the pictures and I'll furnish the war."

US sent U.S.S. Maine to Cuba in case Americans needed to evacuate. The Maine exploded…reason unknown U.S. blamed Spain and called for war.

Pres. McKinley was hesitant- political pressures. He “declared” Cuba independent, then Spain declared war on the US so the US declared war back.

“Splendid Little War” Nickname for Spanish-American War Total of 4 months of fighting Less than 500 died in battle

Cuba Led by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt with his “Rough Riders”—1st U.S. Volunteer Calvary Spanish surrendered quickly U.S. Troops occupy Puerto Rico Cease-fire called between U.S. and Spain

Philippines Spanish in Cuba not ready for war, they needed assistance of their fleet in Pacific U.S. attacked Philippines (Spanish colony) to stop Spanish from attacking U.S.

Treaty of Paris 1898 Cuba given independence Puerto Rico and Guam acquired by U.S. U.S. pays Spain $20 million for Philippines U.S. officially becomes an imperial power

Cuba Teller Amendment: The US would not annex Cuba (recognized their independence)

Platt Amendment Cannot make treaties with other countries U.S. has a naval station U.S. has right to intervene to keep them independent

American Effects: Jingoism: a spirit of nationalism based on aggression US now sees “causes” to intervene in world affairs….

Philippines Rebels turned on U.S. U.S. military put down rebels with brutal force Reformed health, education, built schools, bridges, telegraph lines, etc. Resistance slowed, rebel leaders captured Eventually became independent

Puerto Rico Foraker Act Not citizens of U.S. No Constitutional rights Congress could make laws it wanted over island Eventually gained rights

Debate Should it be a state? Independent country? Continue as commonwealth?

Led by Commodore George Dewey on May 1, 1898 U.S. quickly took down the Spanish warships Troops being sent to help Dewey seized the island of Guam (Spanish colony) on their way U.S. took Manila (capital of the Philippines) and would not give it to the Filipinos

American Empire is Born What to do with these new territories? Supporters of Annexation Economic and military benefits Duty to teach “less civilized”

Opposition to Annexation: Cost of empire outweighed economic gains (Carnegie) Cheap Filipino labor would drive down American wages (Gompers) Violation of American principles (Twain)

Cuban economy damaged during rebellion Declare independence in Sept. 1895; becomes Republic of Cuba