1. The Spanish American War Beginning in 1898

2. Cuba – A Spanish Possession Spain only had Guam, Cuba, Philippines, and a few outposts in Africa in 1825. 1854 – US diplomats suggested buying Cuba

3. Leading up to the War 1868 – 1878, Cuba had first war for independence against Spain. Able to force Spain to end slavery, but no independence US sympathetic, but did not intervene. Americans began to invest $$$ in sugar plantations Cuba’s economy depended on sugar, America was their biggest market.

4. Second War for Independence Jose Marti – Cuban in exile in NY organized a Cuba resistance in Spain. Cubans deliberately damaged the island, especially American plantations Hoped to provoke US to enter to free rebels. Americans were split –Big Business – help Spain to protect business –Help the rebels to Freedom. “Cuba Libre”

5. Violent Retaliation Gen. Valeriano Weyler (“Butcher Weyler”) was sent by Spain to control order. Created hastily prepared concentration camps, where they died by the thousands, victims of disease and malnutrition.

6. Yellow Journalism Yellow Journalism – a sensational shocking style of writing 2 Newspaper Tycoons: Pulitzer vs. Hearst. Competed for publications – wrote scandalous and exaggerated news. When this news did not exist, they were not above creating it!

7. Yellow Journalism Cuban struggle as great opportunity to increase circulation, Exaggerated their reports of Spanish atrocities against the Cuban rebels –Poisoned wells –Children thrown to sharks Gained American Sympathy.

9. “You furnish the picture, I’ll furnish the war.” William Randolph Hearst

10. Events which brought America to War 1.Dupuy de Lome letter Cuban agent in Havana stole a private letter written by Dupuy de Lome, the Spanish minister in Washington, and turned it over to the American press Described McKinley as a “weak” and a “bidder for the admiration of the crowd.” Many Americans felt this way, but created anger coming from a foreigner.

11. Events which brought America to War 2. The Maine USS Maine blew up in Spanish harbor with a loss of more than 260 people Naval court found - external explosion by a submarine or mine had caused the disaster (blamed Spain) War hysteria Swept the country.

12. USS Maine

13. The US Declares War WAR HAWKS pushed for war, McKinley hesitant McKinley gave Spain an ultimatum: 1.stop fighting 2.eliminate concentration camps 3.negotiate with the rebels Spain did all but #3. This did not satisfy the War Hawks April 25, 1898, McKinley and Congress declared war