1. Spanish American War

2. Build Up to War Cuba & Spain
Spain controls Cuba
US trades with Cuba
In 1895 Cuban nationalists staged a revolt against Spanish rule.
America promises to support Cuba’s independence. Why?
To protect our business & $$$
1898: President McKinley was hoping to avoid war
To show military support for Cuba, McKinley sends the USS Maine to the coast off of Cuba

3. The USS Maine
February 15, 1898 the USS Maine blew up out of a harbor in Havana, Cuba.
Killed 250 Americans
It was never proven that Spain was responsible
It is now believed that the ship either struck a mine or hand an internal accident.
The destruction of the ship was used as a reason to enter into war. Newspapers reported that the Maine was taken down by Spain.
People got fired up and called for war!
Journalists used the tragedy to stir up the emotions of people and pulled on their heart strings
“Remember the Maine!”

4. Yellow Journalism The De Lome Letter
This extreme journalism was called: Yellow Journalism
Newspaper reporting that uses screaming and sensational headlines to make a point and stir up the emotions of the American people.
Joseph Pulitzer
William Randolph Hearst
The De Lome Letter
Spanish minister to the US, William De Lome, wrote a secret letter calling President McKinley weak and ineffective. Hearst got a copy and printed it in the paper.  Outraged the American people.
Hearst’s papers were known for yellow journalism and responded to a friend that indicated that all was quiet in Cuba: “If you furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war.”

5. Declaration of War
Even though Spain promised eventual Cuban independence, public opinion favored war.
Significant amount of economic investment in Cuba.
Military liked the idea that Cuba could provide a naval base
April 1898 US declared war on Spain