1. Introduction to the Spanish-American War “A Splendid Little War” John Hay, Secretary of State, 1898

2. 2 Background: Who? Spain vs. America Where? Phillipines, Cuba (Spain’s Colonies)

3. 3 Background: The Philippines Cuba USA

4. 4 What were the American Economic Interests in Cuba? Jose Marti-launched a revolution in 1895 against Spain & targeted guerilla attacks on US businesses. What? Why were American economic interests threatened? American capitalists began investing in sugar cane plantations. Made Americans more likely to help out Cuba. Some Americans supported Spain over Cuba. How did it lead to war?

5. Why go to war against Spain? Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies! Protect American businesses located in Cuba. Americans were sympathetic to the Cuban rebels. 5

6. 6 “Yellow Journalists” Make more $ if they keep you scared and interested What? Why use this technique? Newspaper created highly exaggerated stories Legitimate stories mixed in with sensationalized stories. Made Americans want war! General Valeriano Weyler Stories-Concentration camps & brutality How did it lead to war?

7. 7 “Yellow Journalism” “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war William Randolph Hearst (newspaper tycoon) Frederic Remington’s Disrobing Propaganda

8. 8 Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

9. 9 De Lome Letter McKinley wanted to avoid war with Spain (tried diplomacy & appeared successful) Spain recalled Gen. Weyler, modified the concentration camp policy & offered Cuba limited freedom De Lome Letter intercepted. Accused McKinley of being weak. Many Americans resented this criticism McKinley is a white livered coward with no more backbone than a chocolate éclair!

10. 10 Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor What? USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor “Spark” that started the war “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” Yellow Journalism held Spain accountable How did it lead to war? Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault

11. 11 Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898 Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo? 2/17/1898 New York World

12. 12 Thinking Slide: Which of these do you think was most responsible for the nation going to war? Yellow Journalism? De Lome Letter? Sinking of the USS Maine?

13. 13 What Happened at Manila Bay? Although attention was focused on Cuba the 1 st battle took place in the Philippines. Philippines had been a Spanish colony for over 300 years & had frequently rebelled against the Spaniards. Surprise naval attack sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy 11,000 US troops joined forces with Filipino rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo Made Americans feel very superior “Remember the Maine!” George Dewey

14. 14 With a victory in the Philippines attention returns to Cuba. Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader? U.S. Army was not as prepared and trained as the U.S Navy Teddy Roosevelt resigns as Asst Secy. of the Navy to lead a “Cowboy Calvary” Brought his own photographer Teddy’s popularity from this leads to his becoming v.p. and president

15. 15 Rough Riders What famous Battle did they participate in? American forces arrived in June 1898 & converged on the city of Santiago Included 4 African American regiments (didn’t receive much credit) Calvary charge up Kettle Hill-clear the way for an infantry attack San Juan Hill-Roosevelt and the Rough Riders only played a minor role in this battle but emerged a “War Hero”

16. 16 Teddy Roosevelt

17. 17 Results of the Spanish-American-Cuban War US defeats Spain & becomes a world power Teddy Roosevelt elected Vice President in 1900 and becomes President in 1901 when McKinley is shot Treaty of Paris: U.S. and Spain signed an armistice in 1898 declaring 1.Cuba will become independent 2.U.S. takes Guam & Puerto Rico from Spain 3.U.S. will pay $20 million for the annexation of Philippines Some began to debate the morality and political motivations of the Treaty of Paris