War with Spain The war increased overseas possessions The U.S. gains recognition as a “world power” Americans became convinced they had a special destiny

A War for Principle February, 1895--rebellion in Cuba High tariffs ruin sugar market Cubans discontent with Spanish rule Insurgents use guerilla tactics Spain commits 200,000 troops, attempts to use 1878 tactics to defeat Cubans – this strategy fails General Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau Relentless and brutal He herded the native population into camps Thousands died from unsanitary conditions and disease

A War for Principle Yellow journalism – sensationalist reporting practiced mainly by a few NYC newspapers that wanted to increase sales "Yellow press" whips up U.S. sentiment to favor Cuban independence Yellow journalism did NOT cause the war McKinley gains Spanish concessions McKinley wants a more humane end to the conflict New government in Spain recalls Weyler, allows some Cuban autonomy Spanish officers lead rots in Havana against the autonomy policy

A War for Principle February, 1898--explosion of the Maine April 19--Congress declares Cuba independent, passes "Teller Amendment" April 25--U.S. declares war on Spain

"A Splendid Little War" U.S. regular army small, ill-prepared Problems of equipment and supply regulars possess latest Krag-Jorgensen rifles Guard units possess old Springfield rifles Most soldiers fight in National Guard units

“Smoked Yankees” African Americans serve in army Guard units Black troops resist segregation African American soldiers win 26 Certificates of Merit, 5 Congressional Medals of Honor

The Course of the War May 1--Commodore George Dewey captures Manila Bay June--Cuba invaded July--Santiago surrenders, Puerto Rico occupied August 13--Philippines surrender

Spanish-American War: Pacific Theater

Spanish-American War: Caribbean Theater

Acquisition of Empire Fate of the Philippines was the thorniest issue at the peace negotiations December 1898--Treaty of Paris Cuba independent U.S. takes Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines

The Treaty of Paris Debate Debate over annexation of the Philippines Opponents formed the Anti-Imperialist League February, 1899--ratification of peace treaty makes U.S. a colonizing nation

American Empire, 1900

Guerrilla Warfare in the Philippines 1898-1901--Emilio Aguinaldo leads Philippine independence movement 1901--U.S. replaces military with civil rule local self-government permitted schedule established for independence July 4, 1946--Philippine independence

World Colonial Empires, 1900

Governing the Empire Supreme Court permits selective application of Constitution to new territories Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico organized as territories, inhabitants made U.S. citizens Navy controls Guam Cuban constitution ends U.S. occupation Platt Amendment--U.S. given right to intervene in Cuban affairs

The Open Door March, 1900--"Open Door" policy in China no European nation should carve out a sphere of influence in China and exclude others from trading in the area Policy opens the potential for later conflict with expansion-minded powers in Pacific

Outcome of the War with Spain Teddy Roosevelt a war hero Set back the cause of civil rights for African Americans Confirms Republicans as majority party U.S. soldiers stationed outside the country