1. Bell Work: Fill in the Blank Yellow Journalism is like __________ but it is NOT like ___________.

2. “A Splendid Little War” John Hay,
Spanish-American War
“A Splendid Little War” John Hay,
Secretary of State, 1898

3. Spain vs. United States Who? Where?
Philippines, Cuba (Spanish Colonies)
USA
Cuba
The Philippines

4. Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies!
Why?
Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies!
President during the War - William McKinley

5. Cuban Revolution
What?
Cubans were fighting the Spanish because they wanted to be independent from Spain
Cuban Civilians were forced into Spanish run slave camps (horrible conditions) 30% died from disease and starvation
How did it lead to war?
Made Spain look horrible in American eyes
Americans sympathized with Cubans

6. American Economic Interests
What?
Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were owned by Americans
Why?
Protecting their economic interests
How did it lead to war?
Made Americans more likely to help out Cuba

7. “Yellow Journalists”
What?
Newspaper created highly exaggerated and sensationalized stories
Why?
Make more money if they keep readers scared and interested
How did it lead to war?
Made Americans want war!

8. De Lôme Letter
A letter written by Spanish minister to the U.S., Enrique Dupuy de Lome, which ridiculed President McKinley, was published by the New York Journal.
Called McKinley “weak and catering to the rabble”
This letter made it hard for leaders to withstand demands for war

9. Who Caused the sinking of the Maine?
Please look at the handout and answer questions with a partner

10. Sinking of the Maine USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor
What?
USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor
Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault
1976 U.S. Navy analyzed the sunken ship, decided that the hull blew OUT, not IN
How did it lead to war?
“Spark” that started the war
“Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”

11. offered $50,000 reward to anyone who could find the guilty party
“Yellow Journalism”
“You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war” William Randolph Hearst
Headline reads:
“Destruction of the War Ship Was the Work of an Enemy”
offered $50,000 reward to anyone who could find the guilty party

12. Headline of the Maine Explosion
THIS IS FROM THE US NAVY WEBSITE….They acknowledge the cause of the explosion was NOT a Spanish mine….the Spanish even helped rescue and care for survivors….see below:
At 9:40 on the evening of 15 February, a terrible explosion on board Maine shattered the stillness in Havana Harbor. Later investigations revealed that more than five tons of powder charges for the vessel's six and ten-inch guns ignited, virtually obliterating the forward third of the ship. The remaining wreckage rapidly settled to the bottom of the harbor. Most of Maine's crew were sleeping or resting in the enlisted quarters in the forward part of the ship when the explosion occurred. Two hundred and sixty-six men lost their lives as a result of the disaster: 260 died in the explosion or shortly thereafter, and six more died later from injuries. Captain Sigsbee and most of the officers survived because their quarters were in the aft portion of the ship.
Spanish officials and the crew of the civilian steamer City of Washington acted quickly in rescuing survivors and caring for the wounded. The attitude and actions of the former allayed initial suspicions that hostile action caused the explosion, and led Sigsbee to include at the bottom of his initial telegram: "Public opinion should be suspended until further report."
The U.S. Navy Department immediately formed a board of inquiry to determine the reason for Maine's destruction. The inquiry, conducted in Havana, lasted four weeks. The condition of the submerged wreck and the lack of technical expertise prevented the board from being as thorough as later investigations. In the end, they concluded that a mine had detonated under the ship. The board did not attempt to fix blame for the placement of the device.
When the Navy's verdict was announced, the American public reacted with predictable outrage. Fed by inflammatory articles in the "Yellow Press" blaming Spain for the disaster, the public had already placed guilt on the Spanish government.
Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo? 2/17/1898 New York World

14. Maine Image sunk
The battleship USS Maine blew up in Havana harbor, killing 260 American sailors.
Although there was no proof, the explosion was blamed on a Spanish mine, gaining U.S. support for war with Spain.

15. Judge Cartoon

16. President William McKinley
Although he continued to press for a diplomatic settlement to the Cuban problem, President McKinley accelerated military preparations begun in January 1898 when an impasse appeared likely. The Spanish position on Cuban independence hardened, and McKinley asked Congress on 11 April for permission to intervene. On 21 April, the President ordered the Navy to begin a blockade of Cuba, and Spain followed with a declaration of war on 23 April. Congress responded with a formal declaration of war on 25 April, made retroactive to the start of the blockade.

18. Manila Bay Surprise naval attack sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy
What Happened at Manila Bay?
Surprise naval attack sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy
Made Americans feel superior

19. Rough Riders Teddy Roosevelt led a “Cowboy Cavalry.”
Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?
Teddy Roosevelt led a “Cowboy Cavalry.”
Brought his own photographer
Teddy’s popularity from this led to his becoming VP and then President

20. Teddy Roosevelt

21. Rough Riders San Juan Hill
What famous Battle did they participate in?
San Juan Hill
African Americans also helped, but got no credit

22. Results U.S. defeats Spain & becomes world power
War lasts 4 months with fighting on two fronts in the Pacific and Caribbean.
2,446 Americans died (only 400 in battle). rest were from disease and infection.
Roosevelt became Vice President and then President in 1901 (McKinley was assassinated).

23. Results
Treaty of Paris: (1898) granted Cuba independence, U.S. gained Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam for $20 million.
U.S. gained many former Spanish colonies, which set off debate among imperialists and anti-imperialists in Asia and Latin America
Platt Amendment (1903)
Cuba was not to enter into any agreements with foreign powers that would endanger its independence.
The U.S. could intervene in Cuban affairs if necessary to maintain an efficient, independent govt.
Cuba must lease Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. for naval and coaling station.

25. What role did the media play in influencing public opinions?
Ticket Out the Door
What role did the media play in influencing public opinions?