“A Splendid Little War” Spanish American War “A Splendid Little War”
Causes of Spanish American War American Sympathy towards Cuban Fight for Freedom against Spanish Rule Monroe Doctrine – chance to get Spain out of Western Hemisphere Economic Interests – sugar plantations Yellow Journalism – American Press got American’s behind going to war The de lome letter - written by the Spanish minister at Washington, expressed contempt for Pres.McKinley. Published by by W.R. Hearst Spark: Sinking of the USS Maine
Sinking of the USS Maine On February 15, 1898, the battleship U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor 266 US Servicemen killed Blamed on a Spanish mine
Yellow Journalism A type of journalism that distorts and exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers William Randolph Hearst vs Joseph Pulitzer. New York Journal New York World
Characteristics of Yellow Journalism Headlines in huge print, often of minor news Many pictures, or imaginary drawings Use of faked interviews, misleading headlines, and false information from so-called experts Dramatic sympathy with the "underdog" against the system. Emotional words and symbols; scare tactics
Does Yellow Journalism Still Exist?
President William McKinley, Jr. 25th President Wanted to avoid war in Cuba Yellow journalism and public supported war In April 1898, President McKinley abandoned his failed diplomatic efforts and asked Congress for permission to intervene in Cuba.
The Rough Riders A colorful volunteer cavalry unit led by Teddy Roosevelt. Composed of cowboys, college students, ex-polo players, steeple chasers, and other adventurous types. Undisciplined and not always effective. They did embody the overall American fighting spirit for this war. The press LOVED them… They became legendary after they charged up San Juan Hill. This hill was important strategically. The Americans charged up the hill on foot and demoralized the Spanish who held the hill.
Battle of Manila Bay Admiral Dewey – Surprise attack on the Spanish Fleet in Manila Harbor All Spanish Ships are Sunk Battle lasts seven hours Only 9 Americans wounded
Battle of San Juan Hill T. Roosevelt led the “Rough Riders” to victory Only major land battle of the war Spanish Defeated
Battle of Santiago de Cuba A decisive victory for the US Navy Complete destruction of the Spanish fleet in Cuba. One American killed and 10 wounded Spain signs Treat of Paris Ending the War
Effects of the Spanish American War US becomes an Imperialist Power Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines become colonies of the US Cuba gains its independence from Spain, but becomes a US Protectorate US will “protect” and partially control Cuba Philippine rebels wanting independence declare war on US
America’s New Empire
What really happened to the Battleship Maine?