1. Chapter 12 Becoming a World Power
Section 2
The Spanish American War

3. The Coming of War
Clara Barton, the first founder and president of the American Red Cross, was working in Havana, Cuba in 1898.
The U.S.S. Maine was anchored there in Havana Harbor and it exploded.
Of the 354 officers on board 266 died. No one is sure why the Maine exploded.
Some speculate that a fire set off the ammunition supplies while others think it was a mine detonated near the ship that set off the ammunition.
Most Americans blame Spain for the explosion, and within a few weeks, the US and Spain are at war.

5. The Coming of War Spain had previously colonized Cuba.
In 1868, the Cubans tried to rebel against Spain and declare independence, but it didn’t work.
They try again in the 1890s, and fighting between the Spanish and Cuban revolutionaries continues.

6. How does the United States get involved?
Some Americans openly supported the Cuban rebels (even though President Cleveland didn’t)
Americans see similarities between themselves in the American Revolution and the Cubans who are also fighting for independence.
William Randolph Hearst owned the New York Journal. Joseph Pulitzer owned the New York World. They competed with each other for newspaper sales.
Both practiced Yellow Journalism – exaggerated or made up stories to sell papers
The Cuban people suffered greatly under Spanish General Valeriano Weyler (‘The Butcher’)
Puts rural Cubans in reconcentration camps (brutal)

7. Example of Yellow Journalism
Pulitzer: Cuba is a place with “blood on the roadsides, blood in the fields, blood on the doorsteps, blood, blood, blood!”
Hearst: the Spanish are feeding Cuban prisoners to sharks and dogs!

9. How does war break out?
By 1897, fighting between the Spanish and Cubans continue.
New President McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine to Havana Harbor to protect and evacuate (if need be) Americans.
A Spanish leader makes fun of McKinley, causing Americans to be more upset with Spain.
March 28, 1898, a naval court concluded that a mine had destroyed the Maine. “Remember the Maine” became a rallying cry for war
Jingoism (aggressive nationalism) was strong for Republican party
April 11, 1898, McKinley asked to use force to end the conflict in Cuba.
April 19, Congress declared Cuba independent
April 23, Spain declared war on the United States. For the first time in 50 years the U.S. was at war with another nation.

10. A War on Two Fronts The U.S. Takes the Philippines
The U.S. was ready for war. Blockaded Cuba and attacked the Spanish fleet in the Philippines
Americans get help from Filipino nationalist Emiliano Aguinaldo.
American troops on the way to the Philippines seized the island of Guam.
American Forces Battle in Cuba
Mobilization of the Army was not efficient.
June 14, 17,000 troops invaded Cuba.
“Rough Riders” – Theodore Roosevelt was second in command. He had resigned from his post as assistant secretary of the Navy to join the fight. While one group attacked San Juan Hill, the “Rough Riders” attacked Kettle Hill. After success they helped capture San Juan Hill as well.
Spanish ships tried to escape, but were destroyed by American ships.
America wins the war
video

14. An American Empire is Born
Cuba became independent, The U.S. annexed Guam and Puerto Rico. What to do with the Philippines?
The Debate of annexation
Economic and military benefits.
Others argued too much cost to have an empire.
Andrew Carnegie, Jane Addams, Samuel Clemens and Samuel Gompers all opposed annexing the Philippines.
December 10, 1898 the U.S. and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris.
Cuba is independent, The U.S. got Guam and Puerto Rico and paid $20 million dollars for the Philippines.
The U.S. has now become an Imperial Nation `

15. Rebellion in the Philippines
Aguinaldo was furious that the Americans took over Philippines and ordered his troops to attack American soldiers.
General Arthur MacArthur used Spanish policies to control Philippines (re-concentration camps, disease, starvation)
US civilian governor William Howard Taft tries reform the island with schools, transportation, healthcare, etc.—reduce Filipino hostility

16. Philippines Eventually, US gives Philippines their own rule
Independence in 1946

17. Governing Puerto Rico Foraker Act 1900 Gradually get self-government
Made Puerto Rico an unincorporated island
Not US citizens but Congress can pass whatever laws it wanted for the island
Gradually get self-government
Citizens in 1917
Elect their own governor
in 1947

18. Cuba and the Platt Amendment
Cuba was granted independence
BUT Americans help write their constitution and include the Platt Amendment 1901
Cuba cannot make treaties with other countries to weaken their indep. or gain territory in Cuba
Cuba allows US to have naval bases
Maintain low debt
US can intervene to protect Cuban independence
Makes Cuba a protectorate

19. Yellow Journalism Article
Due Friday, October 23rd
Choose one event occurring in this chapter (ex. Explosion of Maine, Platt Amendment, etc.)
Create a front page of a newspaper set in that time period in “yellow journalism style”.
Must have an article about your sensationalized event
Must have pictures
Must have a political cartoon
Be creative (maybe include advertisement, etc.)
Must have color