1. Introduction to Spanish-American War
McIntyre
“A Splendid Little War” John Hay, Secretary of State, 1898

2. Background: Who? Where? Spain vs. America
Phillipines, Cuba (Spain’s Colonies)

3. Background:
USA
Cuba
The Philippines

4. Spain’s Reconcentration Policy
What?
Civilians were forced into government run camps (with bad conditions)
Why?
Spain was fighting a guerilla war and needed to separate “good” from “bad” guys
How did it lead to war?
Made Spain look bad in American eyes

5. 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

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

7. Sensational Journalism or Yellow Journalism Activity
Screaming newspaper headlines about the situation in Cuba in the 1890s helped fan the flames of war by influencing public opinion in the United States
Research current headlines aimed at selling newspapers -- rather than telling honest stories - -look at newsstands and in supermarket checkout lines
Research some of the headlines and stories published in the World and the Journal in the 1890s and compare these with the headlines found in modern tabloid papers
How are they similar and/or different? Are any stories more or less harmful than others?
Homework
Foxborough History Department

8. Foxborough History Department

9. Why?
Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies!

10. Frederic Remington’s Disrobing Propaganda
“Yellow Journalism”
“You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war William Randolph Hearst
Frederic Remington’s Disrobing Propaganda

11. Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

12. Leaders William McKinley Theodore Roosevelt George Dewey
William Randolph Hearst
General Weyler “The Butcher
Emilio Aguinaldo
Foxborough History Department

13. William McKinley, Jr. (1843-1901)
25th President
Wanted to avoid war in Cuba
Yellow journalism and public supported war
In April 1898, President McKinley abandoned his failed diplomatic efforts and asked Congress for permission to intervene in Cuba.
Foxborough History Department

14. Theodore Roosevelt Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
“I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one”
First Volunteer Cavalry, nicknamed the "Rough Riders.“ Stop, drop, that’s how rough riders roll…..(DMX)
Foxborough History Department

15. Commodore George Dewey
May 1, 1899— Commodore Dewey and his Asiatic Squadron defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay
During and after the war, George Dewey became one of the war's most celebrated heroes
Foxborough History Department

16. William Randolph Hearst
Newspaper publisher and leading example of yellow journalism
New York Journal started a public hysteria for war with Spain by publishing incendiary articles and illustrations
Hearst once said "You provide the pictures and I'll provide the war."
Foxborough History Department

17. General Weyler “The Butcher”
In 1896, the Spanish sent "The Butcher," to Cuba
To prevent the insurrectos
Weyler built concentration camps in which he imprisoned a large portion of the population
Under the harsh and unsanitary conditions in the concentration camps,
Cuban prisoners died rapidly, especially from disease
Foxborough History Department

18. Emilio Aguinaldo The Philippines' revolutionary leader
Fought first against Spanish imperialism
After the end of the Spanish- American War, fought against American
Foxborough History Department

19. Events-Timeline 1895: Cuban nationalists revolt against Spanish rule
1896: Spanish General Weyler (the "Butcher") comes to Cuba.
1897: Spain recalls Weyler
Early 1898: USS Maine sent to Cuba
February 9, 1898: Hearst publishes Dupuy du Lome's letter insulting McKinley.
Foxborough History Department

20. Foxborough History Department

21. Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor
What?
USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor,
Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault
1976 US 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!”

22. Slide Analysis: Headline of the Maine Explosion
Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo? 2/17/1898 New York World

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

24. Rough Riders Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?
Teddy Roosevelt resigns as Asst Secy of the Navy to lead a “Cowboy Calvary”
Brought his own photographer
Teddy’s popularity from this leads to his becoming v.p. and president

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

26. Teddy Roosevelt

27. Results US defeats Spain & becomes a world power
Teddy Roosevelt elected Vice President in 1900 and becomes President in 1901 when McKinley is shot
US must decide what to do about Spain’s former colonies (Phillipines, Puerto Rico, and Cuba)