1. Spanish-American War

2. Sugar Tariffs/Republic of Cuba
1868 Cubans rebel from slavery against Spain
1894 America imposes sugar tariff greatly damaging Cuba’s economy
Jose Marti launches revolution in February 1895
Republic of Cuba declared in September 1895

3. U.S.S. Maine
Spanish loyalists revolt after Spain tries to concede to the rebels
President McKinley sends the U.S.S. Maine to Havana to protect American interests
Explodes and the U.S. blames Spain
Congress proclaims Cuba independent and authorizes war with Spain

4. Seizure of Manila, Philippines
Commodore George Dewey attacks Spain in the Philippines (colony)
Organizes a rebellion with Emilio Aguinaldo to create chaos
U.S. takes the capital of Manila

5. Capture of San Juan Hill
Rough Riders led by Teddy Roosevelt and an all African American regiemtn capture San Juan Hill
Leads to the surrender of Spain

6. Treaty of Paris
U.S. receives Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico; Cuba becomes independent
Debate over annexing these places was intense
Allow these countries to be free (ideals of U.S.) or use them for gain/help civilize them
Many argued against as it would be labor competition, violated American principles, and be too costly

7. Platt Amendment
Conditions attached to new “independent” country of Cuba
Cuba could not make treaties with other countries that would harm it’s independence
U.S. allowed to buy/lease naval stations
Low debt
U.S. had the right to intervene to protect Cuba’s independence
In effect until 1934

8. Filipino Rebellion
Revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo attacked U.S. troops to have an independent nation
U.S. establishes reconcentration camps; thousands die
William Howard Taft, the first governor, tamps it down and reduces hostility
In U.S. control until 1946

9. Effects United States becomes a global power with new markets and land
Hypocritical? (U.S. values of independence, our own history)