1. Spanish American War

2. Causes of War GENERAL CAUSES:
Economic: Spain was cutting off sugar and tobacco trade to US from Cuba
Humanitarian: Spanish rulers treated Cubans badly
Expansionist: US wanted to control sugar cane and tobacco lands in Cuba

3. Causes of War Specific Causes:
Yellow Journalism: journalists exaggerated events in Cuba to encourage American support for Cuban rebels
The deLome Letter: letter from Spain describing the US as weak – caused public outcry
Sinking of the USS Maine: American public blamed the Spanish even though a fire caused the explosion.

4. Spanish American War

5. Fighting the War “Splendid Little War” Lasted 6 months
Fought on 2 fronts: Cuba & Philippines
Theodore Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders” led the ground troops
2,500 Americans died – 400 in battle, 2100 from food poisoning and diseases (malaria and yellow fever)

6. Treaty of Paris Spain gave up Cuba
US gained Puerto Rico and Guam from Spain
US paid $20 million to Spain for the Philippines

7. Future of Cuba
Teller Amendment: US promised not to annex Cuba when it declared war in 1898.
Following the war, the US installed a military government for 3 years
Set up schools and restored economic stability
In 1900, Cuba began to draft its constitution
Included the Platt Amendment: Cuba could not enter into agreements with foreign nations, must allow 2 US military bases, US may interfere with foreign conflict.