Causes of the Spanish/American War Spain’s Reconcentration Policy Spain’s Reconcentration Policy –Civilians were forced into camps Enabled Spain to separate civilians from guerillas Enabled Spain to separate civilians from guerillas –Made Spain look bad to US American Economic Interests American Economic Interests –Cuban plantations were American owned Yellow Journalism Yellow Journalism –Keep stories interesting –Made US want war “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war” William Randolph Hearst

“Remember the Maine” USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor –Little proof that Spanish were responsible Yellow Journalism took over Yellow Journalism took over –Printed details of how Spain did it Congress began preparing for war Congress began preparing for war –War declared on April 15, 1898

The Philippines Cuba USA

“A Splendid Little War” The Philippine Connection The Philippine Connection –Sent ships to contain Spanish fleet in Manila Bay –Rapidly destroyed Spanish fleet –Supplied a Filipino revolt against the Spanish –Spain surrendered, turned Philippines to US Left questions of who would rule islands Left questions of who would rule islands

“A Splendid Little War” Fighting in Cuba Fighting in Cuba –US Army was out of date –Teddy Roosevelt led the “Rough Riders” Charged San Juan Hill Charged San Juan Hill –Many all black regiments helped win the war Naval Encounters Naval Encounters –Met Spanish fleet in Santiago, won easily “Splendid Little War” “Splendid Little War” –US was dominate, and lost very little