1. The Spanish-American War
American Imperialism
The Spanish-American War

2. Cuba’s Role 1898 – Cuba a colony of Spain 1868-1898 – Cubans revolt
Spanish used harsh tactics (concentration camps, etc.)
200,000 Cubans killed

3. America’s Role Americans sympathetic to Cuba
Yellow Journalists – told gruesome stories about Cuba
William Randolph Hearst – most famous owner of a yellow journalism paper

4. “Newspapers form and express public opinion
“Newspapers form and express public opinion. They suggest and control legislation. They declare wars. They punish criminals. The newspapers control the nation “

5. Hearst’s Role
“I have been through one war. I have seen the dead piled up, and I do not want to see another.”
Pushed for US intervention in his newspaper, the New York Journal
President McKinley resisted

6. Spain’s Role February 1898, The Journal publishes the “De Lôme Letter”
Spanish letter, intercepted by Cuban spy, sold to Hearst
Called McKinley “weak.”
Americans outraged

7. Story of the USS Maine

8. The USS Maine’s Role Feb. 15th, the Maine exploded Killed 260 sailors
Journal Headline: “DESTRUCTION OF THE WAR SHIP MAINE WAS THE WORK OF AN ENEMY!”

9. Where Is The Headline??? Oh! THERE it is!
What was the opinion of other papers?
Where Is The Headline???
Oh! THERE it is!

10. Fighting in Cuba US unprepared for land battles
5400 Americans killed – 5000 from disease and food poisoning
July, Spain surrendered

11. Real History v. Idealized History

12. Philippines After the War
Filipinos fight Americans for 3 years
Freedom fighters crushed in 1902
Congress passes Philippine Government Act – giving US control of government
Not revoked until 1946

13. Cuba After the War US wanted to protect business investments
Set up a military government
Would remove troops only if Cuba accepted the Platt Amendment –
Limited Cuban sovereignty – could not make treaties and let US oversee its affairs
Required US leases on land for military purposes
Created a protectorate until 1934