The Spanish-American War Ch. 7 Sec. 2 The Spanish-American War

Unrest in Cuba Cuba and Puerto Rico- only Spanish colonies left in 1890s Cubans starting revolting in 1868 Spanish forced thousands into camps where many starved and died

JosÉ MartÍ One of the leaders of Cuban Revolution Exiled from Cuba and lived in New York Pushed for Cuban independence in USA

American INterest Felt the Cuban Revolution was much like our own Sympathy towards the suffering Cubans Economic Interests

Causes of Spanish-American War Media & Yellow Journalism Sinking of U.S.S. Maine Economic Interests Sympathy for Cubans

Media Influence Newspapers #1 Source Yellow Journalism- the reporting of exaggerated stories in newspapers to increase sales William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer Did not use Spanish sources- Why does this matter? Pg. 206

Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine February 15, 1898 mysteriously blew up in the Havana harbor 260 American sailors died Newspapers blamed Spanish even though there was no proof US declared war on April 25

“Remember the Maine”

The Yellow Press demanded war. Headlines screamed, “Remember the Maine A naval board of inquiry blamed a mine for the explosion. In response, Spain agreed to American demands, including an end to the concentration camps. Despite Spanish concessions, President McKinley sought permission to use force.

In April 1898, following a heated debate, Congress agreed to McKinley’s request. As a result, the Teller Amendment was added, stipulating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba. Critics charged that the real goal was an American take-over of Cuba. The U.S. Navy was sent to blockade Cuban ports. President McKinley called for 100,000 volunteers.

War in the Philippines Commodore George Dewey surprised and easily defeated a Spanish fleet at Manila Bay. Rather than surrender to the Filipino independence fighters led by Emilio Aguinaldo, Spanish troops surrendered to U.S. forces. 12

War in Cuba U.S. troops easily defeated the Spanish in Cuba. Guantanamo Bay was captured. Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, and two regiments of African American soldiers, stormed San Juan Hill. A Spanish fleet was destroyed at Santiago. Spanish troops surrendered in Cuba and on the island of Puerto Rico. U.S. troops easily defeated the Spanish in Cuba. 14

Rough Riders All volunteers Led by Theodore Roosevelt Made up of college athletes, cowboys, ranchers, and miners Supposed to be cavalry but ended up being foot soldiers 2 Medal of Honor winners from Battle of San Juan Hill

Buffalo Soldiers All African-American regiment Helped lead charge in Battle of San Juan Hill Six Buffalo Soldiers won Medal of Honors from Battle of San Juan Hill

Aftermath of the War Spain sold the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million. Guam and Puerto Rico became American territories. Under the Teller Amendment, Cuba could not be annexed by the United States. In the Treaty of Paris, Spain gave up control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam. 17

Aftermath of the War Cost the U.S. close to $250 million Roughly 2,000 U.S. soldiers died Split in America on positives and negatives Pg. 211 and differing views from senators

Aftermath of the War While Secretary of State John Hay called it a “splendid little war” debate soon arose over the Philippines and U.S. imperialism. Critics like William Jennings Bryan and Mark Twain attacked imperialism as against American principles. President McKinley argued that the U.S. had a responsibility to “uplift and civilize” the Filipino people. However, the U.S. brutally suppressed a Filipino rebellion. 19

Aftermath of the War In February 1899, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris by just one vote. In the election of 1900 McKinley faced Bryan for the Presidency. McKinley chose Theodore Roosevelt, “the hero of San Juan Hill” as his running mate. McKinley and Roosevelt won easily. The United States now had an empire and a new stature in world affairs. 20

Views on the Philippines For Annexation Against Annexation President McKinley wanted to “civilize and educate Filipinos” Economics & Strategic Take before another country did Violated idea of self-government Focus on issues at home in the U.S. not outside Afraid it may lead to an increase in more immigrants

Annexation of the Philippines U.S. annexed Philippines on Feb. 6, 1899 War broke out for 3 years 4,000 U.S. soldiers dead, 220,000 Filipinos dead Philippines granted independence on July 4, 1946

Closing Activity Imagine you are an advisor for one of the kings or queens in power in one of the European countries (Britain, Italy, Germany, or Russia). You must prepare a quick report to your ruler about the defeat of Spain by the United States. In your report, give a brief description of the events of the war, your estimate of how powerful the United States is, and what this new world power will mean for your country (will you seek help from the U.S? increase your own power in case there is war between your own country and the U.S? neither?). Your report must be at least a paragraph (4-6 sentences) in length.