1. Causes of the Spanish American War
1898

2. Humanitarian Concerns
Stories of cruel treatment of Cubans by the Spanish – poverty, starvation, imprisonment
Use of “reconcentration camps” by Spain led to the death of many innocent Cubans
U.S. can’t help but be involved – “tugged at the heartstrings of the people”

3. Economic Concerns
Many U.S. business interests in Cuba were disrupted by war (banks, sugar plantations, hotels)
The on-going civil war in Cuba was costing American businesses money

4. Yellow Journalism
U.S. newspapers ran exaggerated stories of the events in Cuba to increase circulation – blood, guts, & gory details sold papers
Many stories sensationalized the events but Americans believed them to be true
Public opinion → Anti-Spain

5. The DeLôme Letter Letter from Spanish official “leaked” to the press
Critical of President McKinley – called him “weak”, a “would-be politician” and a jingoist (aggressive nationalist)
Considered an insult to the president & the nation
Chances for peaceful negotiations were unlikely

6. Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor
268 American sailors died
“State of the Art” American ship destroyed
Uncertain of how it happened:
Spain attacked ?
Boiler blew up ?
Cubans sabotaged ?

7. “Spain must be responsible”
After hearing all the horrible things Spain had done
American people didn’t want to wait for investigation
Jumped to conclusion

8. Immediate cause of War: The sinking of the U.S.S. Maine

9. Newspapers told the story

10. Results of the Spanish American War
Treaty of Paris (1898)
Cuba → Independent
Platt Amendment to Cuban Constitution makes Cuba a protectorate of the U.S.
Puerto Rico & Guam ceded to U.S.
Philippines sold to U.S. ($20 million)

11. Importance U.S. becomes a World Power with Colonies
U.S. interests stretch around the world