1. The Spanish - American War (1898)
A Case of US Imperialism or a Necessary War?

2. The Following are Causes of the Spanish-American War

3. Yellow Journalism
Yellow journalism is the deliberate use of bold or exaggerating statements in the media done in order to increase sales.
For example, should Mr Griggs social studies exam scores drop, a headline in the Times Union might say, “Griggs is Worst Educator on Planet.”
Two newspaper owners, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, were competing in NYC to sell papers and often exaggerated the truth to create more sensational stories

4. Cause #1
Joseph Pulitzer
William Randolph Hearst

5. Sinking of the U.S.S. Maine
Cuba was seeking freedom for Spain, who was weakening
US citizens support a free Cuba, who we then would trade with
The US trains some Cuban militia men, who promptly get killed or captured by Spanish
US sends a battleship, the Maine, to Havana Harbor to keep an eye on things
The Maine explodes killing 260 US troops
US papers blame Spain without proof of why it exploded

6. U.S.S. Maine Explosion - How is this image an example of Yellow Journalism?
Cause #2

7. Read the unproven headlines!
How would Americans react?
Cause #3

8. Spanish-American War (1898)
Imperialism or Necessary?

9. First Stage - Conquer Philippines?
Commodore Dewey attacks Philippines one week after US declares war over Cuba
Philippines belonged to Spain
Spain -381 killed
US - 0

10. Why Philippines?
Gave US possible ports and naval bases

11. US not ready at first, But Spain was so weak we did not have to be
Had only 28,000 troops, need 280,000
Issued wool uniforms for tropics
Most died from diseases (malaria, yellow fever), not battle

12. Rough Riders - Theodore Roosevelt’s Volunteer Group
Very Popular in US due to newspaper articles written about them. TR had the reporters follow the Rough Riders to ensure good press.
People debate how much TR and the Rough Riders actually did. Many historians feel TR only fought when assured of victory.
Helped TR get elected as VP after the war

14. Most Famous Battle - Rough Riders take San Juan Hill
7,000 US troops attack 600 Spanish
Well covered by press

15. Was the war Imperialism or Necessary?
Imperialism without a doubt

16. What Does the US do with new Lands after the War?
Cuba
Philippines
Puerto Rico

17. Cuba We promised before war we wouldn’t keep it - we lied.
Platt Amendment - Allows US to intervene in Cuban affairs whenever we see necessary.

18. “This was like handing over the keys to our house so that the Americans can enter it at any time, whenever the desire seizes them, day or night, whether with good or evil design.”

19. Puerto Rico Becomes a US territory (didn’t fight like Filipinos did)
Becomes a US commonwealth - citizenship, own constitution, sends non-voting Reps to Congress

20. Philippines US intends to keep it, Filipinos revolt
70,000 US troops fight 3 years there
Hundreds of thousands Filipinos die
US sets up govt. with some local control
Philippines become independent