Chapter 12 Becoming a World Power Section 2 The Spanish American War

The Coming of War Clara Barton, the first founder and president of the American Red Cross, was working in Havana, Cuba in 1898. The U.S.S. Maine was anchored there in Havana Harbor and it exploded. Of the 354 officers on board 266 died. No one is sure why the Maine exploded. Some speculate that a fire set off the ammunition supplies while others think it was a mine detonated near the ship that set off the ammunition. Most Americans blame Spain for the explosion, and within a few weeks, the US and Spain are at war.

The Coming of War Spain had previously colonized Cuba. In 1868, the Cubans tried to rebel against Spain and declare independence, but it didn’t work. They try again in the 1890s, and fighting between the Spanish and Cuban revolutionaries continues.

How does the United States get involved? Some Americans openly supported the Cuban rebels (even though President Cleveland didn’t) Americans see similarities between themselves in the American Revolution and the Cubans who are also fighting for independence. William Randolph Hearst owned the New York Journal. Joseph Pulitzer owned the New York World. They competed with each other for newspaper sales. Both practiced Yellow Journalism – exaggerated or made up stories to sell papers The Cuban people suffered greatly under Spanish General Valeriano Weyler (‘The Butcher’) Puts rural Cubans in reconcentration camps (brutal)

Example of Yellow Journalism Pulitzer: Cuba is a place with “blood on the roadsides, blood in the fields, blood on the doorsteps, blood, blood, blood!” Hearst: the Spanish are feeding Cuban prisoners to sharks and dogs!

How does war break out? By 1897, fighting between the Spanish and Cubans continue. New President McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine to Havana Harbor to protect and evacuate (if need be) Americans. A Spanish leader makes fun of McKinley, causing Americans to be more upset with Spain. March 28, 1898, a naval court concluded that a mine had destroyed the Maine. “Remember the Maine” became a rallying cry for war Jingoism (aggressive nationalism) was strong for Republican party April 11, 1898, McKinley asked to use force to end the conflict in Cuba. April 19, Congress declared Cuba independent April 23, Spain declared war on the United States. For the first time in 50 years the U.S. was at war with another nation.

A War on Two Fronts The U.S. Takes the Philippines The U.S. was ready for war. Blockaded Cuba and attacked the Spanish fleet in the Philippines Americans get help from Filipino nationalist Emiliano Aguinaldo. American troops on the way to the Philippines seized the island of Guam. American Forces Battle in Cuba Mobilization of the Army was not efficient. June 14, 17,000 troops invaded Cuba. “Rough Riders” – Theodore Roosevelt was second in command. He had resigned from his post as assistant secretary of the Navy to join the fight. While one group attacked San Juan Hill, the “Rough Riders” attacked Kettle Hill. After success they helped capture San Juan Hill as well. Spanish ships tried to escape, but were destroyed by American ships. America wins the war video

An American Empire is Born Cuba became independent, The U.S. annexed Guam and Puerto Rico. What to do with the Philippines? The Debate of annexation Economic and military benefits. Others argued too much cost to have an empire. Andrew Carnegie, Jane Addams, Samuel Clemens and Samuel Gompers all opposed annexing the Philippines. December 10, 1898 the U.S. and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris. Cuba is independent, The U.S. got Guam and Puerto Rico and paid $20 million dollars for the Philippines. The U.S. has now become an Imperial Nation `

Rebellion in the Philippines Aguinaldo was furious that the Americans took over Philippines and ordered his troops to attack American soldiers. General Arthur MacArthur used Spanish policies to control Philippines (re-concentration camps, disease, starvation) US civilian governor William Howard Taft tries reform the island with schools, transportation, healthcare, etc.—reduce Filipino hostility

Philippines Eventually, US gives Philippines their own rule Independence in 1946

Governing Puerto Rico Foraker Act 1900 Gradually get self-government Made Puerto Rico an unincorporated island Not US citizens but Congress can pass whatever laws it wanted for the island Gradually get self-government Citizens in 1917 Elect their own governor in 1947

Cuba and the Platt Amendment Cuba was granted independence BUT Americans help write their constitution and include the Platt Amendment 1901 Cuba cannot make treaties with other countries to weaken their indep. or gain territory in Cuba Cuba allows US to have naval bases Maintain low debt US can intervene to protect Cuban independence Makes Cuba a protectorate

Yellow Journalism Article Due Friday, October 23rd Choose one event occurring in this chapter (ex. Explosion of Maine, Platt Amendment, etc.) Create a front page of a newspaper set in that time period in “yellow journalism style”. Must have an article about your sensationalized event Must have pictures Must have a political cartoon Be creative (maybe include advertisement, etc.) Must have color