1. COS Standard 3
Explain the US changing role in the early 20th century as a world power.

2. Describing causes of the Spanish-American War, including yellow journalism, the sinking of the Battleship USS Maine and economic interests in Cuba
Chapter 17 Section 1 and 2

3. Imperialism
Economic and political domination of a strong nation over a weaker nation.
Raw materials needed
Colonies or protectorates formed: Hawaii
Americans want to develop overseas markets
Use Social Darwinism and Spreading “Anglo-Saxonism” to justify expansion

4. Causes of Spanish American War
Cuba:
Spain uses Cuba for sugarcane
the people of Cuba want their independence
Jose Marti (exiled leader of Cuba’s revolution) flees to America and prepares to invade Cuba to control Cuba for themselves, gains control of Eastern half of Cuba
Americans want to be neutral, but yellow journalism changes the minds of Americans
Sensational reports printed in newspapers

5. Causes of the Spanish American War continued
Spain invoke harsh punishment on Cuba and appointed Valeriano Weyler as governor.
Kills many Cubans
The Spanish Ambassador to America (Enrique Dupuy de Lome) writes a letter that is intercepted and it describes McKinley as weak and ineffective. Americans become angry.

6. Cause of Spanish American War continued
USS Maine, anchored in Havana exploded killing 266 Americans. America blames Spain. No one knows why it explodes.

7. Causes of Spanish American War Continued
1898 McKinley authorizes Congress to declare war on Spain.
Splendid little war begins.