The Spanish-American War and the Root Reforms

The problem in Cuba... Significant U.S. economic interests in Cuba. Revolution (off and on) in Cuba since –Resumes in 1895 U.S. interests want stability. 1896: General Valeriano Weyler sent to suppress the rebellion. –Weyler’s methods were brutal. –Reconcentrado policy

The problem in Cuba... the U.S. “war faction” Humanitarians “Jingoists” Elements of the Republican Party Expansionists... and the “Yellow Press”

Joseph Pulitzer The New York World William Randolph Hurst The New York Journal

January 1898, USS Maine arrives in Havana

The slide toward war... McKinley was opposed to war. 9 FEB, Hurst publishes “DeLome Letter” “... McKinley is weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd besides being a would-be politician who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party”.

18 February 1898 USS Maine blows up.

The slide toward war February: Roosevelt instructs Navy to attack Philippines in the event of war. 11 April: McKinley calls for intervention in Cuba. –Approved 20 April 20 April: Teller Amendment Teller Amendment. 23April: Spain declares war on the U.S.

1 May 1898 Battle of Manila Bay

22-24 June US troops land in Cuba

Hawaii annexed 7 July

Sanford Dole Queen Lili‘uokalani’ American businessmen took over Hawaii in 1893.

17 July: Santiago surrenders to General William Shafter 12 August: Spain signs armistice 13 August: US troops capture Manila

Costs... $250,000,000 5,462 Americans dead 385 KIA 5,077 of disease 1,604 WIA

Results... The Treaty of Paris, 1898 Cuba would become independent Temporary American occupation Platt Amendment Spain would assume Cuban debt. U.S. acquires: Puerto Rico Guam Philippines (for $20 million)

The American Empire, 1898

Election of 1900 Imperialism the major issue. McKinley wins. 295 to September, 1901 McKinley shot.

“That damn cowboy’s President!”

The Filipino-American War

The Filipino-American War (?) Vicious and brutal (both sides). Significant American war crimes. Aguinaldo eventually captured. Taft’s teachers. Roosevelt declares war over 4 July Americans and Filipinos eventually develop a close relationship.

Summary... Spanish-American War makes U.S. an international power. America’s new role accepted by most Americans. The Navy’s performance reinforced the ideas of Mahan. The Army’s performance left much to be desired.

China Relief Expedition Commander, BG Adna Chaffee 9th and 14th Infantry Regiments Detachment, 6th Cavalry Battery F, 5th Artillery Battalion, U.S. Marines

China Relief Expedition British French Italian Russian German Austrian Japanese Multinational force, 19,000 troops. Americans worked with:

The “Root Reforms” Army’s performance in the war with Spain had been poor. – Outdated organization; Staff and Line – Archiac equipment – No real planning capability Elihu Root become Secretary of War, – a corporate lawyer

The “Root Reforms” Elihu Root become Secretary of War, – a corporate lawyer

The “Root Reforms” Weapons improvements: – 1903 Springfield replaces the Krag – Knife bayonet replaces rod bayonet – Smokeless powder replaces black powder – New 3 in. artillery field piece – Experimentation begun with machine guns –.45 M1911 Colt pistol replaces the.38 caliber revolver

3-inch M1902 field gun

Colt Lewis Hotchkiss

S&W.38 Special 1898 Colt M1892

The “Root Reforms” The General Staff Bill – Root reads Upton’s Military Policy of the United States – LTC William Carter helps convince him – Congress passes the bill in 1903.

The General Staff

Improved education... Army War College General Staff and service College Service Schools: – Artillery – Engineer – Submarine Defense (mines and torpedeos) – Cavalry and Field Artillery – Medical Corps – Signal Corps

Regulars vs. the Militia Militia Act of 1903, “Dick Act” reforms the militia – “Organized Militia” National Guard – Reserve Militia Federal $$ made available to National Guard Drills twice a month Annual training Regulars could be detailed to the Guard President could proscribe length of Federal service President could appoint all officers while in Federal Service.

Higher Echelon Organization Largest peacetime organization = regiment. 1910, General Staff draws plans for divisional organization. Provisional division formed in Average strength of the Army = 75,000 Average installation strength = 700

The Army continued its non-military functions. Provided governmental services in American colonies. Projected American power in “operations other than war.” – “Little Wars” Built the Panama Canal

Then came Mexico... and war in Europe.