1. The Spanish-American War
Ch. 7 Sec. 2
The Spanish-American War

2. Unrest in Cuba
Cuba and Puerto Rico- only Spanish colonies left in 1890s
Cubans starting revolting in 1868
Spanish forced thousands into camps where many starved and died

3. JosÉ MartÍ One of the leaders of Cuban Revolution
Exiled from Cuba and lived in New York
Pushed for Cuban independence in USA

4. American INterest Felt the Cuban Revolution was much like our own
Sympathy towards the suffering Cubans
Economic Interests

5. Causes of Spanish-American War
Media & Yellow Journalism
Sinking of U.S.S. Maine
Economic Interests
Sympathy for Cubans

6. Media Influence Newspapers #1 Source
Yellow Journalism- the reporting of exaggerated stories in newspapers to increase sales
William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer
Did not use Spanish sources- Why does this matter?
Pg. 206

7. Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine
February 15, 1898 mysteriously blew up in the Havana harbor
260 American sailors died
Newspapers blamed Spanish even though there was no proof
US declared war on April 25

8. “Remember the Maine”

10. The Yellow Press demanded war. Headlines screamed, “Remember the Maine
A naval board of inquiry blamed a mine for the explosion.
In response, Spain agreed to American demands, including an end to the concentration camps.
Despite Spanish concessions, President McKinley sought permission to use force.

11. In April 1898, following a heated debate, Congress agreed to McKinley’s request.
As a result, the Teller Amendment was added, stipulating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba.
Critics charged that the real goal was an American take-over of Cuba.
The U.S. Navy was sent to blockade Cuban ports.
President McKinley called for 100,000 volunteers.

12. War in the Philippines
Commodore George Dewey surprised and easily defeated a Spanish fleet at Manila Bay.
Rather than surrender to the Filipino independence fighters led by Emilio Aguinaldo, Spanish troops surrendered to U.S. forces. 12

14. War in Cuba U.S. troops easily defeated the Spanish in Cuba.
Guantanamo Bay was captured.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, and two regiments of African American soldiers, stormed San Juan Hill.
A Spanish fleet was destroyed at Santiago.
Spanish troops surrendered in Cuba and on the island of Puerto Rico.
U.S. troops easily defeated the Spanish in Cuba. 14

15. Rough Riders All volunteers Led by Theodore Roosevelt
Made up of college athletes, cowboys, ranchers, and miners
Supposed to be cavalry but ended up being foot soldiers
2 Medal of Honor winners from Battle of San Juan Hill

16. Buffalo Soldiers All African-American regiment
Helped lead charge in Battle of San Juan Hill
Six Buffalo Soldiers won Medal of Honors from Battle of San Juan Hill

17. Aftermath of the War
Spain sold the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million.
Guam and Puerto Rico became American territories.
Under the Teller Amendment, Cuba could not be annexed by the United States.
In the Treaty of Paris, Spain gave up control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam. 17

18. Aftermath of the War Cost the U.S. close to $250 million
Roughly 2,000 U.S. soldiers died
Split in America on positives and negatives
Pg. 211 and differing views from senators

19. Aftermath of the War
While Secretary of State John Hay called it a “splendid little war” debate soon arose over the Philippines and U.S. imperialism.
Critics like William Jennings Bryan and Mark Twain attacked imperialism as against American principles.
President McKinley argued that the U.S. had a responsibility to “uplift and civilize” the Filipino people. However, the U.S. brutally suppressed a Filipino rebellion. 19

20. Aftermath of the War
In February 1899, the U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris by just one vote.
In the election of 1900 McKinley faced Bryan
for the Presidency.
McKinley chose Theodore Roosevelt, “the hero of San Juan Hill” as his running mate.
McKinley and Roosevelt won easily.
The United States now had an empire and a new stature in world affairs. 20

21. Views on the Philippines
For Annexation
Against Annexation
President McKinley wanted to “civilize and educate Filipinos”
Economics & Strategic
Take before another country did
Violated idea of self-government
Focus on issues at home in the U.S. not outside
Afraid it may lead to an increase in more immigrants

22. Annexation of the Philippines
U.S. annexed Philippines on Feb. 6, 1899
War broke out for 3 years
4,000 U.S. soldiers dead, 220,000 Filipinos dead
Philippines granted independence on July 4, 1946

25. Closing Activity
Imagine you are an advisor for one of the kings or queens in power in one of the European countries (Britain, Italy, Germany, or Russia). You must prepare a quick report to your ruler about the defeat of Spain by the United States. In your report, give a brief description of the events of the war, your estimate of how powerful the United States is, and what this new world power will mean for your country (will you seek help from the U.S? increase your own power in case there is war between your own country and the U.S? neither?). Your report must be at least a paragraph (4-6 sentences) in length.