1. The Spanish-American War

2. Some Background Information

3. The British Empire

4. Long-Term Causes The world was experiencing an “Age of Imperialism”
Many Americans felt like America needed to enter the international fray and claim some colonies (expansionist attitude)
Not everyone felt this way. By far. They felt like taking over other territories and people went against core American ideals.
Economic motives were pushing some American businessmen to take aggressive action in other parts of the world (Hawaii)

5. The nation begins to expand

6. Short-Term Causes
Cuba was ruled by Spain, and in 1895 Cubans rose up in revolt against their colonial overlords.
In order to stop the uprising, the Spanish rounded up Cubans and forced them into reconcentration camps, where disease and poor sanitation killed thousands.
American newspapers wanted to sell copies, so they engaged in sensationalist, dramatic journalism practices (called Yellow Journalism) designed to whip up outrage in American readers by appealing to their love of democracy and sympathy for the oppressed Cubans.

7. Remember the Maine!

8. The Sinking of the Maine
In order to protect American interests (meaning $$$) in Cuba, the U.S. sent the warship the U.S.S. Maine into Havana Harbor.
It explodes and sinks after just 9 days in the harbor. 260 Americans die.
Americans become convinced that the Spanish sabotaged the ship, encouraged by yellow journalism.
Americans are urged to “remember the Maine”
War is declared April 11, 1898

10. Basic Events War lasted a total of 6 weeks
Spain’s navy is not ready to take on the new American fleet of ships and are quickly taken down
The Philippines are also captured during this time
Land troops are not well trained and are mostly volunteers
Future President Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders fight
Victory would not have been possible without trained and segregated African American soliders
Armistice is declared August 12, 1898
Sec. of State John Hay calls the conflict a “splendid little war”
Fewer than 400 Americans die in combat, but 5000 die from malaria and yellow fever

11. America dives right into imperialism

12. Effects The Treaty of Paris - Winter 1898
Spain gives up Cuba - it becomes independent
Guam and Puerto Rico become American territories
The U.S. paid Spain $20 million for the Philippines
No Cuban or Filipino representatives were allowed to participate in negotiations
Spain loses the remains of its overseas empire
Future President Theodore Roosevelt makes a name for himself
Platt Amendment = Cuba agrees to American intervention when necessary and leases Guantanamo Bay to the U.S.