1. The Spanish American War and The United States and Latin America
Chapter 22 Sections 2-3
The Spanish American War and The United States and Latin America

2. Yellow Journalism
The exaggeration of news stories for the purposes of attracting readers.

3. Conflict in Cuba
In 1898, the U.S. sent the battleship USS Maine to Havana Harbor, Cuba
The Maine was sent to protect U.S. citizens and economic interests in Cuba

4. U.S.S. Maine
On Feb. 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine exploded and 266 Americans were killed
The cause of the explosion remained unclear
American newspapers immediately blamed Spain
“Remember the Maine!”

6. The Spanish American War
Angry American Congress declares war on Spain
The War occurs in two phases
PHASE 1: The Philippines
The Philippines was a Spanish Colony, and the US wanted to weaken Spain by winning a victory there
Commodore George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, without losing one American life.
The U.S. allied with Filipino rebel Emilio Aguinaldo to control the Philippines

8. The War in Cuba PHASE 2: CUBA
Led by the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry – The “Rough Riders” (cowboys, miners, college students, policemen, athletes, Native Americans & future Pres. Teddy Roosevelt)
Attacked stronghold of Santiago, Cuba – destroyed fleet as it was attempting to escape
Week later, the U.S. took Puerto Rico
Spain surrendered on August 12, 1898
Total war time: less than 3 months

10. Results of the War The U.S. received: The Philippines (colony)
Puerto Rico
Guam
The right to intervene in Cuba (Platt Amendment)
The status as a “World Power”

11. Results of the War
Treaty of Paris: Spain forced to give up Puerto Rico, Guam, Cuba, and the Philippines
Cuba got independence – but only if they included the Platt Amendment: The U.S. had the right to intervene in Cuba anytime there was a threat to “life, property, and individual liberty”
The U.S. also got to build a Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Those against these policies helped form the Anti-Imperialist League: A group that opposed the creation of an American colonial empire