1. Unit 5: Imperialism & WWI

2. The Spanish-American War
April – August 1898

3. Spanish-American War Background
Cuba was a Spanish colony
1895 – Cuban economy collapses, they rebel
War between Spain & Cubans for Cuban independence

4. Spanish-American War Background
Spanish General uses policy of “reconcentrados”, or “re-concentration”
puts Cubans into guarded camps
225,000 Cubans dies in 18 months
US reports of the camps outrage Americans
Congress condemns the actions
President Cleveland against going to war
In his last speech he acknowledges that it might be necessary

5. America & Cuba America had business interests in Cuba
Riots in Havana led to destruction of American plantations
New President McKinley sends battleship U.S.S. Maine to Havana protect American citizens

6. Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898

7. Who Sank the Maine?
Read Doc A & fill in the date, what happened, & supporting info
Then read Doc B & fill in the date, what happened, & supporting info
Fill in the last box for both articles (a quote that contradicts the other article)
Answer the final question on the back

8. Discussion What does the Journal say happened?
What does the Times say happened?
Which source has better evidence?

9. The USS Maine Responsibility was never determined
Navy investigation found convincing evidence that an explosion (possibly a mine/torpedo) set off the battleship’s forward magazine
Spanish government offered to comply with an independent investigation
But the American people had already decided Spain was responsible
“Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!”

10. McKinley’s War Message
McKinley asked Spain for the following:
Compensation for the Maine
End to concentration camps
Truce in Cuba
Cuban independence

11. Spain’s Response
Agreed to all of McKinley’s demands except Cuban independence
McKinley decided he couldn’t resist the growing cries for war
Asked Congress to authorize war against Spain

12. The War Began April 25, 1898 Lasts only 114 days “Splendid little war”
-Secretary of State John Hay

13. Battle of San Juan Hill
Winning this battle would become the key to America winning the whole war
Two stories:
Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders
Rough Riders + Buffalo Soldiers

14. The Rough Riders 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry
cowboys, gamblers, hunters, prospectors, college boys, and Native Americans
from all 45 states, 4 U.S. territories, & 14 countries
Roosevelt orders a charge after the Spaniards, clears the Spanish trenches, & holds San Juan Hill

15. “Buffalo Soldiers”
9th & 10th Calvaries (units of veteran black troops)
Fought in the western frontier against Native Americans
Battle of San Juan not so easy
Only a handful of soldiers heard Roosevelt’s instructions once they reached the top
Roosevelt retreated, regrouped, & assembled a more respectable force

16. Battle of San Juan Hill
"There was very great confusion at this time, the different regiments being completely intermingled - white regulars, colored regulars, and Rough Riders.”
-Roosevelt
Mix of troops in the battle for the top.
Regulars & volunteers, blacks & whites, fought side by side
Most experts agree: Roosevelt’s personal valor & leadership were the single strongest elements leading to that day’s victory

17. America Wins! Santiago surrendered July 17, 1898
Americans took Puerto Rico easily, July 25

18. The War Ends 60,000 Spanish died 6,000 Americans died
Only 374 from battle
Rest from disease

19. The Treaty of Paris (1898) Provisions of the Treaty:
Spain recognized Cuban independence
For $20 million, Spain gave up the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States
Became “unincorporated” territories meaning that they would never be considered for statehood