The Spanish American War

The Cuban Rebellion Begins Cuba was always utilized by Spain for its sugar 1/3 of the population were slaves After a failed rebellion, many fled to the US and began preparing for a new rebellion

The Cuban Rebellion Begins JOSE MARTI was one of the exiles and a leader of the new revolution In 1895, after years of training, revolutionaries seized control of East Cuba and declared independence

America Supports the Cubans Though the US was declared neutral, the American people were openly supportive of the revolution Most support came due to yellow journalism To prevent Cuban villagers from aiding the rebels, many were put into reconcentration camps (many died of starvation and disease) – Enraged Americans began calling for intervention

Calling Out for War Though President Mckinleyt did not favor intervention, he informed Spain that if the war did not end soon, the US would intervene. Eventually the US sent the USS Maine to Havana in order to calm down the riots – It was mysteriously destroyed while in the harbor Congress responds by approving $50 million in war preparations

Calling Out for War Jingoism (attitude of aggressive nationalism), became very strong following the USS Maine incident. Eventually, McKinley asked Congress to authorize the use of force to end the Cuban conflict

Calling Out for War April 19, 1898: Congress declares Cuba independent and demands Spain’s withdrawal. April 24: Spain declares war on the US

A War on Two Fronts The Philippines was a Spanish colony with a fairly large naval fleet Determined to prevent those ships from sailing to Cuba, the US attacked and quickly destroyed the fleet Next the US seized the Philippine capital from Spanish control

American Forces Battle in Cuba The American mission in Cuba was to seize control of large, shore-based guns that protected the Spanish fleet in Santiago Harbor This would force them out to sea where the US Navy was waiting for them

Rough Riders Were a volunteer cavalry unit composed of miners, cowboys, and law officers – They were among the advancing troops in Santiago – Led by Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt They systematically took control over all protecting areas before taking the harbor itself.

Rough Riders They drove the Spanish fleet into battle with the Navy – The US sank all Spanish ships From then on, the US did not face much resistance. – On August 12, Spain and US agreed to a cease-fire

An American Empire Is Born The US seized Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines during the war After the war, Guam and Puerto Rico were annexed but the question about the Philippines remained

An American Empire Is Born Supporters of Philippine annexation believed: – It would provide a good naval base in Asia – It would create a large market for American goods – The US bore the responsibility to teach them how to live

An American Empire Is Born Non-supporters believed: – Imperialism violated American principles – An empire’s cost far outweighs its benefits – Cheap Filipino labor would drive down American wages However, the US eventually decided to annex

The Treaty of Paris Agreement between the US and Spain – Made Cuba independent – Gave Puerto Rico and Guam to the US – Agreed for Spain to sell the Philippines for $20 million to the US

Rebellion In the Philippines Guerilla forces who helped the US seize the Philippines soon turned on them The rebellion was squashed but guerilla war continued US civilian governor in the Philippines (William Howard Taft) immediately making economic and social reforms – Greatly reduced hostility

Governing Puerto Rico Foracker Act made Puerto Rico an unincorporated territory – Meaning Puerto Ricans were not US citizens and had no constitutional rights In 1917, US made Puerto Ricans citizens It is still debated over whether PR should be a state, independent, or continue as a commonwealth of the US.

Aftermath Following the war, the US took many measures to ensure that Cuba would remain tied to the American economy

Aftermath President McKinley allowed the Cubans to create a constitution, but he attached some conditions that worked to benefit the US’ wellbeing

The Platt Amendment Though not initially accepted by Cubans, they eventually agreed and it stayed in effect until 1934 Made Cuba and American Protectorate Specified: – Cuba could not sign a treaty with another country that would weaken its independence, or allow another foreign power to gain its territory. – Cuba had to allow the US to buy or lease naval stations in Cuba

The Platt Amendment Specified: – Cuban debts must be kept low to reduce foreign interference – The US had the right to intervene to protect Cuban independence and keep order