Chapter 10 Section 2 Notes Spanish-American War
Where is the war fought? Mainly in 2 Spanish Colonies a. Cuba b. The Phillipines
Origins of the Conflict U.S. wanted to buy Cuba from Spain in mid 1800’s Spain says no Cuban people have unsuccessful revolution Unhappy with Spanish rule, want independence Spain eliminates slavery in Cuba in mid 1880s American businesses go there to set up businesses Especially sugar cane and tobacco plantations
Cuba’s 2nd attempt at Revolution Led by Jose Marti Rebels destroyed Spanish and U.S. property Tried to drag U.S. into conflict Didn’t work right away. Quickly defeated by Spain
Valeriano Weyler – Spanish Governor of Cuba Unhappy with revolutionaries and Cubans in general Ordered all Cuban natives into camps 1 out of 8 Cubans died (got ill, malnourished, beaten) Weyler’s nickname in the press was “The Butcher”
U.S. Govt. wants to stay neutral at 1st Why? U.S. had pretty good relationship with Spain What changes this? 3 main factors
1. Yellow Journalism In competition for readers, two New York newspapers (Hearst and Pulitzer led them) wrote exaggerated stories about the Cuban rebellion. This yellow journalism – sensational writing that exaggerates news to attract and enrage readers - sold a lot of papers but had other effects as well: It whipped up American public opinion in favor of the Cuban rebels. It led to a burst of national pride and the desire for an aggressive foreign policy
2. The De Lome Letter A letter from a Spanish Govt. official in Cuba intended for “a higher up” in Spain was stolen by Cuban revolutionaries, who sold it to a NY Paper It basically called U.S. President McKinley a wimp
3. U.S.S. Maine Explodes Battleship stationed close to Cuba Nobody knows for sure what caused the explosion Around 260 Americans killed U.S. papers jump to the conclusion that Spain did it. “Remember the Maine”
U.S. Govt. pressured to act Declares war (April 1898) Includes Teller Amendment U.S. promises to not make Cuba a territory after peace was established. Cuban people would finally get independence.
The War (Part 1) U.S. began with a surprise attack (May 1, 1898) Where? The Philippines (another Spanish colony) Not close to Cuba (in the Pacific Ocean) Why? to sink Spanish ships stationed there before they could sail towards the U.S. or reinforce Cuba
Admiral George Dewey (under orders from the Asst. Sec Admiral George Dewey (under orders from the Asst. Sec. of the Navy Teddy Roosevelt) destroyed Spain’s entire Pacific fleet in 7 hours
Helped Filipino revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo led a land invasion. Did not originally plan to do this Spain surrenders in Philippines (Aug. 1898) Who would rule the islands? The revolutionaries (led by Aguilnaldo)? OR… The U.S (a new colony)? More in Sec. 3
The War (Part 2) Focus is on Cuba U.S. Navy and Cavalry attack together U.S troops Arrive in Cuba June 22, 1898
U.S. Military not well equipped Small # of troops Supplies like food, clothing, weapons, and medicine were either scarce, inappropriate, or out of date.
The Rough Riders Teddy Roosevelt resigns his post in the Pacific for some action in Cuba -Led group of cavalry (reality) in many battles (Most Famous – San Juan Hill) Brought his own photographer and writer with him Became a hero due to this (created the myth) (led to him being governor of NY and eventually President)
African Americans also helped but get hardly any credit Buffalo Soldiers
Navy Sinks Spanish Fleet in Cuba Navy had ships stationed off East Coast and Florida prepared for an attack on U.S. Led by Admiral William Sampson in the Carribean Spain sent all ships to Santiago (port in Cuba) to give supplies and organize (bad idea) U.S. found out, surrounded the port, and sunk all ships when they tried to leave Results Spanish – 500 killed US – 1 killed
The End of the War armistice (cease fire) agreed to in August 1898. around 3 and a half months after war started (short war!) Treaty of Paris officially signed in February 1899 Cuba freed (what now?) Guam (in Pacific) and Puerto Rico (in Carribean) become U.S. territories Philippines bought for $20 million (debate started). Website has 8 min video Summarizing Sp. Am. War