1. The Spanish-American War
What lead to the US going to war with Spain?

2. Notes: Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War marked the US emergence as world power
Reasons for US entry into War
American Business Interests in Cuba
Use of Yellow Journalism to gain public support
Explosion of the USS Maine
Humanitarian Concerns Over Cubans treatment
Desire for Naval Bases

3. Spanish Misrule in Cuba

4. Valeriano Weyler’s “Reconcentration” Policy

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

6. Document Questions
When were the documents written? How long after the event?
According to NY Journal, what happened to the USS Maine? What evidence does the source use to base its claims?
According to the NY Times, what happened to the USS Maine? What evidence does the source use to base its claims?

7. Question
Which account is more believable? Why?

8. Spanish-American War Congress declared war on Spain in April 1898
At declaration of war: US Commodore George Dewey set sail for Philippines and seized control of island
In Cuba: T. Roosevelt led the Rough riders helped US victory which was achieved in less than 3 months
Gained Cuba and Philippines
Referred to as the “splendid little war”

9. The Spanish-American War (1898): “That Splendid Little War”
How prepared was the US for war?

10. Treaty of Paris (1898) Treaty officially ended war with Spain
Attached to war resolution:
Teller Amendment: US promised to allow Cuban independence (not annex)
To protect US business, Pres. McKinley installed US military gov. in Cuba for 3 years

11. Creation of Cuban constitution, US added
Platt Amendment: limited Cuban gov. (remained until 1930s)
Gave US two naval bases in Cuba
Allowed for US intervention in region
US also gained territories of Puerto Rico and Guam

12. War in Philippines Philippines were a colony of Spain
As Commodore Dewey set sail for Philippines, US troops also seized island of Guam along the way
Dewey contacted Filipino revolutionaries to launch another guerilla war
US helps Filipinos gain independence from Spain

14. Continued.. The rebels believed US was there to help
but after the peace treaty, US troops captured capital of Manila and refused to recognize the rebel government

15. The American Anti-Imperialist League
Founded in 1899.
Mark Twain, Andrew Carnegie, William James, and William Jennings Bryan among the leaders.
Campaigned against the annexation of the Philippines and other acts of imperialism.

16. Life, 1899 “First Filipino: What’s the matter?
Second Filipino: Been takin’ another of those blamed lessons in the progress of civilization.”

17. Judge, 1899 Words on bayonet: “Liberty and Civilization”
“He wouldn’t take it any other way”

18. The World, 1898

19. Results The war treaty recognized US ownership of Philippines
Wake Island
Guam
Puerto Rico
And US control of Cuba

20. Results of the Spanish-American War
Spain lost last colonies... removed from Western Hemisphere
U.S. acquired colonies
Tradition of Isolationism is Broken
U.S. recognized as a world power
U.S. ends up spending more money & lives putting down Filipino Insurrection
Sets precedent for intervention & use of force in Latin American affairs
Opened markets in Cuba and elsewhere