The Spanish American War Unit 4 – Conflict and Cooperation

Causes of War

What led to the outbreak of war? Support of Cuban Independence Movement -Cubans wanted independence -Because they were fighting for freedom, the Spanish punished them -Cubans were forced into camps, starved and diseased -U.S. citizens didn’t like the bad treatment

What led to the outbreak of war? Protection of American investments in Cuba The fighting between Cuba and Spain was disrupting trade. American businesses wanted to protect SUGAR CANE.

What led to the outbreak of war? Yellow Journalism Exaggerated news reports Started by New York newspapers ( Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst ) – Exaggerated stories about Spanish cruelty towards Cubans Tried to “one-up” the other Hearst said, “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war.”

What led to the outbreak of war? Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor Ship was sent by President McKinley to protect U.S. citizens in Cuba The “mysterious” explosion made Americans mad! “Remember the Maine!” became the headline of newspapers Americans wanted justice!

What led to the outbreak of war? Nationalism Loyalty and pride in one’s country

People to Know

Key Individuals in the War President McKinley Didn’t want the war at first Was pressured because of the treatment of Cubans and the Maine Finally gave in – – Declared war April 20, 1898

Key Individuals in the War Theodore Roosevelt Assistant Secretary of the Navy at the start of war Quit as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and organized his own volunteer cavalry unit – the Rough Riders – to fight in Cuba Led a successful take over at San Juan Hill

Key Individuals in the War Buffalo Soldiers African-American soldiers Fought against the Spanish at San Juan Hill

Key Individuals in the War Admiral George Dewey Roosevelt ordered the invasion. Led a surprise attack against the Spanish in Manila Bay, Philippines Was the first major event of the war May 1898 We sank all Spanish ships - No Americans died

Key Individuals in the War John Hay After four months of fighting, called the conflict a “Splendid Little War”

Results of War

Results of the Spanish American War Cuban Independence from Spain U.S. made Cuba adopt the Platt amendment to make them a protectorate of the U.S. Protectorate – an independent country who’s policies are controlled by an outside power Limited Cuba’s power to make treaties or borrow money Gave the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs Established the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay

Results of the Spanish American War Pacific Islands Four islands in four months Spain had to give up Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines and Cuba to the U.S. GUAM

Results of the Spanish American War U.S. Power The U.S. becomes a world super power Militarism Domination of the armed forces

Philippine Independence Imperialism- actions taken by one strong nation to exercise power over a smaller, weaker one Anti-imperialism- AGAINST imperialism

Philippine Independence Emilio Aguinaldo Filipino leader Fought WITH the U.S. to win independence from Spain – they WON However, the U.S. intended to keep the Philippines as it’s own colony  Led a 3-year war against the U.S. – but lost The Philippines weren’t given independence until after WWII

Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy Panama Canal Original Route from San Francisco to Cuba = 14,000 miles & took 2 months This area is owned by Columbia Teddy Roosevelt wanted better route for money and military Improve global shipping Easier to deploy the U.S. Navy to defend the nation’s new overseas empire Offered Columbia $10 million cash and $250,000 yearly rent Opposition said U.S. having control was bad Roosevelt knew many disliked Columbian rule Secretly said the U.S. would help Columbia get independence if they helped us build the canal Revolt Gunboats waited in harbor to support Columbian rebels Marines landed in Colon to prevent hostile Columbian troops from reaching Panama City Americans were alarmed at this “gunboat policy” Panama gains independence

Panama Canal TR becomes first president to leave the United States while in office (1904)

Big Stick Diplomacy Teddy believed in a strong global military presence. “Speak softly and carry a big stick” Advises Europe that the U.S. will use caution and non-aggression until it becomes necessary to be violent Theodore Roosevelt’s Foreign Policy

Roosevelt Corollary Added to the Monroe Doctrine U.S. would intervene in Latin American affairs when necessary to maintain economic and political peace Became a “police power”