Chapter 17 Becoming a World Power Section 2 The Spanish-American War

The Coming of War Cuba, a Spanish colony, provided wealth for Spain with sugarcane plantations. 1868 – Cuban rebels declared independence and began a guerilla attack against Spanish authorities. Attack failed, and rebels fled to U.S.

Jose Marti Exiled leader of the revolution fled to NYC. Raised money from Americans and began purchasing weapons and training troops to prepare for an invasion of Cuba.

Americans support the Cubans 1894 – U.S. imposed new tariffs on sugar, and the Cuban economy was devastated. Marti began a new rebellion in Feb. 1895. They seized control of eastern Cuba, declared its independence, and set up the Republic of Cuba in Sept. 1895.

Americans Support the Cubans At the start of the revolution America was neutral. After reports in two newspapers by William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal) & Joseph Pulitzer (New York World) Americans began to side with the rebels. They used yellow journalism, exaggerated stories, to try to outdo each other.

Hearst (NY Journal) Reported that the Spanish were feeding Cubans to the sharks and dogs.

Pulitzer (NY World) Described Cuba as a place with “blood on the roadsides, blood in the fields, blood on the doorsteps, blood, blood, blood!”

Calling Out For War The Cuban rebels attacked and destroyed, American property hoping for American intervention.

Calling Out for War Spanish appointed Gen. Valeriano Weyler to serve as governor. Sent tens of thousands of Cubans to their deaths in reconcentration camps. This led to Americans to call for intervention.

Calling Out for War Spanish ambassador to the U.S., Enrique Dupuy de Lome, wrote a private letter, describing Pres. McKinley as weak and seeking admiration of Americans. The NY Journal printed the letter.

Calling Out for War Feb. 1898, the U.S.S. Maine, anchored in Havana, Cuba, exploded, killing 266 American officers and sailors. Most blamed the Spanish.

Calling Out for War Pres. McKinley didn’t want to intervene fearing it would cost the U.S. too many lives and hurt the economy. However, within the Republican party, jingoism, or aggressive nationalism, was strong, and the president declared war on April 19, 1898.

A War on Two Fronts The U.S. Navy’s North Atlantic Squadron blockaded Cuba. An American fleet in British Hong Kong was ordered to attack the Spanish fleet in the Phillipines – a Spanish colony.

U.S. Takes the Philippines May 1898, Commodore George Dewey led a squadron that destroyed Spanish warships in Manilla Bay. Sent 20,000 troops, and along the way, seized Guam.

U.S. Takes the Philippines Dewey contacted Emilio Aguinaldo while waiting for American troops. Aguinaldo quickly launched a new guerrilla war. This led the way for America to seize the Philippines.

American Forces Battle in Cuba June 1898, American troops advanced toward Santiago Harbor in Southern Cuba. Among the troops were the “Rough Riders” led by Colonel Leonard Wood, with Theodore Roosevelt as second in command. Both were American victories.

American Forces Battle in Cuba Spanish resistance ended with the surrender of Santiago on Aug. 12, 1898 with a cease-fire.

An American Empire is Born Dec 10, 1898 – U.S. & Spain signed the Treaty of Paris. Cuba became an independent country. U.S. acquired Puerto Rico & Guam and paid $20 million for the Philippines. Made the U.S. an imperial power.

Rebellion in the Philippines Emilio Aguinaldo ordered an attack on American soldiers stationed in the Philippines. Gen Arthur MacArthur was forced to set up reconcentration camps resulting in thousands of deaths.

William H. Taft 1st U.S. civilian gov. of Philippines. Introduced reforms in education, transportation, and health care. Lessened the Filipino hostility toward America. April 1902, Philippines were granted independence.

Governing Puerto Rico 1900 – Foraker Act made Puerto Rico an unincorporated territory. 1917 – Puerto Ricans were made citizens of the U.S. 1947 – Island allowed to elect its own governor.

Cuba and the Platt Amendment After the war, the U.S. set up a military government. Platt Amendment (repealed in 1934) Cuba couldn’t make a treaty w/ another nation that would weaken its power or allow another foreign power to gain territory in Cuba. Cuba had to allow the U.S. to buy or lease naval stations in Cuba. Cuba’s debts had to be kept low to prevent foreign countries from landing troops to enforce payment. U.S. would have the right to intervene to protect Cuban independence and keep order.

Next: Section 3 New American Diplomacy End of Section 2 Next: Section 3 New American Diplomacy