The Spanish American War
Yellow Journalism Rivalry between Joseph Pulitzer of the World against William Randolph Hearst of the Journal Yellow Kid Cartoon starts at World and causes a huge jump in sales, Hearst lures cartoonist away with offers of more money and cartoon soon appears in both papers. In their struggle to attract readers both newspapers develop an exaggerated style of reporting called yellow journalism Among these stories are news reports about the brutal suppression of rebellion in Cuba. This helped inflame Americans to go to war against Spain.
Trouble in Cuba Over 300 years Cuba belongs to Spain as a colony One the leaders of world sugar production During the 1800s many Cubans desire self rule Cuba comes under influence from American businessmen Jose Marti leads a second rebellion against Spain in 1895 – lived in the U.S. from when forced to leave Cuba because of revolutionary activities. In 1895 sails to Cuba to lead the revolt. Soon killed in battle but revolt continues new Spanish commander General Wyler sent to Cuba to put down the uprising. Forces tens of thousands into reconcentration camps. Caused thousands of deaths from disease and starvation. Americans are sympathetic but President Cleveland refuses to intervene he hoped to maintain strict neutrality.
American Newspapers React Most Americans learn about events in Cuba through newspapers and magazines the only mass media available. News sensationalized to sell newspapers Many reporters encourages to stretch the truth about the bravery of Cuban rebels and the horrors of Spanish rule.
Americans Call for War De Lome letter – Spanish ambassador calls President McKinley “weak and catering to the rabble and, besides, a low politician. Letter was intercepted and published by the Journal USS Maine sent to Havana after riots break out in capital city of Havana to protect American lives and property. 2 weeks sits in the harbor but on February 15 th 1898 * it explodes. 260 American sailors die. Newspapers immediately blame Spain, “The Maine was destroyed by treachery” Remember the Maine becomes a battle cry for war.
U.S. Responds Navy conducts report, evidence sketchy concludes the explosion was caused by underwater mine. Report does not suggest who was responsible. Senator Proctor gives speech on Senate floor. These incidents turn public opinion firmly toward war. President McKinley gives Spain one last chance and calls for an armistice (a cessation of hostilities), close reconcentration camps, and grant cuban independence. Spain refuses, McKinley asks Congress to declare war. Teller amendment also passes promising that after Cuba was liberated and peace restored the United States would leave government control of the Island to its people.
“Splendid Little War” Only lasts a few months but has dramatic effects. The first fighting of the Spanish American War takes place in the Philippines. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt commanded the Pacific squadron of the navy to wait until a declaration of war against Spain and to immediately attack the colony if war was declared. Americans and Filipinos join forces to free the islands from Spanish rule. August 13 th Philippines falls to combined American and Filipino forces.
Fighting in Cuba U.S. forces sent to Cuba consist of various forces four regiments of African American soldiers, volunteers, and the rough riders (handpicked by Roosevelt college athletes and western cowboys) led by Theodore Roosevelt (resigns as Asst. Secretary to the Navy to go to Cuba) On July 1 st forces attack San Juan. Rough Riders attack Kettle Hill and other forces face a tougher battle on San Juan Hill. By nightfall the U.S. has taken the ridge. The rest of the war goes quickly and by July 17 th Spanish surrender. Spain agrees to a peace settlement on August 12 th. Despite the victory not all goes well for American forces, 5,500 died in the war mostly from diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Also troops did not have proper equipment or supplies.
Treaty with Spain Grants Independence to Cuba Puerto Rico and Island of Guam goes to the U.S. Gives Philippines to U.S. for $20 million. The U.S. now had a colonial empire However many anti-imperialists did not agree and oppose the establishment of U.S. colonies. U.S. stays in Cuba for 4 yrs with military government. America withdraws finally in 1902 but only after Cubans add Platt Amendment to their constitution saying that the U.S. can intervene in Cuban affairs or buy/lease land for naval bases. Guantanamo Bay Naval base has a permanent lease in Cuba. By 1913 Americans have $ 220 Million dollars invested in Cuba and American businesses own 60% of the rural land and controlled many of its industries.