1. EXPANSION AND WORLD POWER PT 2
The Spanish American War
EXPANSION AND WORLD POWER PT 2

2. CUBA
Cuba
Cuba revolted against Spanish rule- want independence (just like us!)
High unemployment, no money
Spain reacts harshly to rebellion
Forced Cubans into “camps” lined by barbed wire
Many died of starvation, disease
Americans bothered; want to help Cubans
Hear about it because of Yellow Journalism
“White Man’s Burden” also a factor
Want to spread “American” way of life- freedom and democracy

3. YELLOW JOURNALISM Newspapers wanted the US to get involved in Cuba
Used Yellow Journalism –presents little or no legitimate, well-researched news; very sensationalized
Uses headlines and scandalous stories to sell
Used to say how bad Spain treated Cuba
Agitated American public
Public put pressure on Pres McKinley to intervene in Cuba
McKinley doesn’t want to- doesn’t think there’s a good enough reason yet
How did yellow journalism influence public opinion?

5. US GETS INVOLVED 2 things happen to cause the US to get involved
De Lome letter –letter from Spanish diplomat named Enrique de Lôme
Made derogatory remarks about President McKinley- called him “weak”-
US newspaper used yellow journalism to get people angry about it
Explosion of U.S.S. Maine (ship)- stationed in Cuba to protect American lives/property
Killed 258 Americans
No evidence of Spanish sabotage (probably exploded bc of how fast/cheap it was built)
Americans (yellow journalists) blamed Spain
“Remember the Maine” rallying cry for U.S. involvement
Now there’s a good enough reason for McKinley to get involved

6. How did the De Lome letter and the explosion of the USS Maine cause the US to get involved in the Spanish American War?

10. AWAKE UNITED STATES! Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!
This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 16, 1898 and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898.
Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!
How proudly sailed the warship Maine,
a Nation’s pride, without a stain!
A wreck she lies, her sailors slain.
By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain!
Eagle soar on high,
And sound the battle cry
Wave the starry flag!
In mud it shall not drag!

11. SPANISH AMERICAN WAR 1898- Date of war US declares war on Spain
considered turning point in U.S. history
US emerged from War as world power
Fighting in/around Cuba
Fighting also in other Spanish colonies- esp Philippines
Battle of San Juan Hill
Famous battle
Theodore Roosevelt fought in it with Rough Riders- a volunteer force
US Navy took Guantanamo Bay in Cuba (still have it today)

13. POST- WAR
Cuba/US Wins (in about 4 months)- easy win
US gets territory from Spain
Pacific Territories
Philippines (pay them $20 mill for it), Guam, Wake Island- in Pacific
Convenient for refueling/ naval bases (just what we’ve wanted!)
Latin American Territories
Puerto Rico (becomes a territory of US- still is)
Cuba
Cuba gets “independence”- but US has them sign Platt Amendment
US has the right to intervene if we think things aren’t going well
So we can protect our business interests
Cuba resents this
Did America really spread “freedom and democracy” based on the results of the Spanish American War?

16. BIG IDEA
Why is the Spanish American War a turning point for the United States?