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

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

3. USA
Cuba
The Philippines

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

5. Spain’s Reconcentration Policy
What?
General Weyler forced the rural population of central and western Cuba into barbed wire concentration camps. Thousands died of starvation and disease.
Why?
Spain was fighting a guerilla war for Cuban independence and needed to separate “good” from “bad guys
How did it lead to war?
Made Spain look bad in American eyes

6. American Economic Interests
What?
Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were owned by Americans. The US had offered to buy Cuba from Spain, but the offer was rejected.
Why?
Protecting their economic interests
How did it lead to war?
Made Americans more likely to help out Cuba

7. “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!

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

9. Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

10. DeLome Letter
NY Times published a letter written by Enrique deLome, Spanish minister to the US that criticized President McKinley, calling him weak and self-serving.
Spain apologized
This further angered the US

11. Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor
What?
USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor,
Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault
How did it lead to war?
“Spark” that started the war
“Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”
War declared on August 20, 1898

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

13. Manila Bay: First attack of the Spanish- American War
What Happened at Manila Bay?
A Surprise naval attack, led by Commodore George Dewey sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy.
This allowed American troops to land in the Phillippines.
Spain surrendered in August.

14. War in the Caribbean Hostilities started with a US blockade of Cuba.
Although the US had a superior navy, the ground forces were not prepared for war. There was only a small standing army.
125,000 American volunteered to fight, but the training camps lacked the supplies and leadership needed to create an effective fighting force.

15. Rough Riders: Volunteer Infantry
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
Roosevelt’s popularity from this leads to his becoming V.P. and President

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

17. Teddy Roosevelt

18. Results US defeats Spain & becomes a world power
US gained the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam
Teller Amendment -  the U.S. could not annex Cuba but only leave "control of the island to its people." In short, the U.S. would help Cuba gain independence and then withdraw all its troops from the country.
Platt Amendment - allowed the United States to intervene unilaterally in Cuban affairs, and a pledge to lease land to the United States for naval bases on the island.