How did the Spanish American War create a new American empire?

The Spanish American War: The Splendid Little War Big Idea A revolt against Spanish rule broke out in Cuba. Three years later, the United States came to the support of the Cuban people by declaring war against Spain. More than any other event, this war represented a turning point in US foreign policy. The swift and decisive US victory in that war demonstrated that the United States was truly a major military power as well as a leading economic power. How did this brief but important war come about?

Causes of the Splendid Little War Yellow Journalism NYC newspapers wrote about the terrible suffering of the Cuban people and the brutal acts of Spain.

Discover the Cause from Yellow Journalism!!

Causes of the Splendid Little War De Lome Letter- “McKinley is a weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd.” -Dupuy DeLome – Spanish Minister to the US Why would this quote make the American people angry?

Sinking Clip & Yellow Journalism Handout

Causes of the Splendid Little War Remember the Maine – A few days after the exposure of the De Lome letter, the USS Maine mysteriously explodes and sinks in a port at Havana, Cuba. It was not known then, nor is it known now, why the ship exploded. But the newspaper made it seem that Spain deliberately blew up the Maine.

Causes of the Splendid Little War Additional Reasons Military planners thought Cuba would be an ideal naval base. Being only 90miles from Florida, Cuba should not be under Spanish rule. Economically speaking, Americans invest over $50million in Cuba sugar and tobacco plantations.

Decision for War Not everyone favored the idea of war. Some business leaders feared that such a war might lead to the destruction of American owned properties. Also, After the sinking of the Maine, Spain did not agree to virtually all of the U.S. demands concerning Cuba, including Cuba’s independence. In April of 1898, McKinley writes a lengthy letter to Congress stating why the U.S. should go to war with Spain. Congress complies and the U.S. enters the Spanish American War.

McKinley’s Message To put an end to the bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries on the Cuban people by Spain. We owe it to our citizens in Cuba to protect their rights. Spain’s possession of Cuba hurts the U.S. economy. The conditions present in Cuba is a menace to peace of the U.S.

The Splendid Little War The Spanish American War lasted only about four months where the U.S. won almost every major battle. It was fought on only two fronts – Puerto Rico / Cuba, and the Philippines.

The Terms of the US-Spanish Treaty US gains Guam and Puerto Rico Spain grants Cuba its’ Independence Spain ‘sold’ the Philippines to the U.S. for the bargain price of $20 million.

Platt Amendment Cuba would sell or lease a piece of land to the United States for use as a naval and coaling station. Cuba would not allow any foreign power other than the United States to acquire Cuban territory. Cuba would allow the United States to intervene in the country whenever it was necessary to protect American citizens living in Cuba.

Building the Panama Canal The United States negotiated with France to buy land in Panama to build a Canal so the navy could quickly move from the Atlantic to the Pacific. However, Columbia refused the sale. An agreement was made with the US government that if the US would help Panama gain their independence, they would allow the canal to be built. In 1903, Panama became its own country, and construction on the canal began.

Building the Canal Casualties among the workers were high due to yellow fever and malaria The canal was completed in ten years, three years ahead of schedule. However, the cost was a phenomenal $350 million, the most expensive operation the US government had ever undertaken. In addition, Panama was paid ten million dollars, plus another quarter million each year, for use of the territory. The use of the canal increased trade and forced nations to view the US as a legitimate world power.

Debate over Acquisition (Quick Review) Imperialist - It’s the duty of the US to be involved in world affairs. The Acquisition of Hawaii and the Philippines were necessary for building the reputation of the US. Either way, the Philippines would be in control of one western power, so better the US than Germany or Russia. Anti-Imperialism – William Jennings Bryan is back as the Anti-Imperialist leader. If the US became imperialistic the US: Would be abandoning its commitment to democracy and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Furthermore, they were afraid that if the US had possession of Islands near Asia would inevitably involve the US in Asian politics and wars.

Monroe Doctrine & Roosevelt Corollary To be able to answer our last question, work with a partner and answer the following questions on the handout. These question will give you the big ideas you need to answer…be prepared to explain the: Monroe Doctrine & Roosevelt Corollary Panama Canal Big Stick Diplomacy Dollar Diplomacy