1. Spanish American War Steps to U.S. Involvement

2. American interest in Cuba Geographic Location (90 mi. south of FL) –Panama Canal a possibility –Spanish Colony – too close for comfort Business Investments –Large sugar cane plantations ($50 mil. – 1895)

3. Cubans Rebel Against Spain 1 st revolt (1868-1878) – unsuccessful Spanish Gov’t in Cuba –Corrupt, no reforms, no self-gov’t for Cuba 2 nd Revolt led to War for Independence (1895) –Jose Marti – organized Cuban resistance –“Cuba Libre!” – Free Cuba –Guerilla campaign Hit & run, scorched earth policy – Destroyed American- owned sugar mills & plantations Hoped to provoke US into intervening to help the rebels

4. Second War for Independence Spanish Response –Send 200,000 troops & General Weyler “The Butcher” to crush rebellion –Atrocities against Cuban people Put peasants in concentration camps Kill crops, animals & people

5. American Public Opinion Originally split between: –Supporting rebels in fight for freedom –Supporting Spain to protect business investments Headline Wars –William Randolph Hearst (New York Journal) –Joseph Pulitzer (New York World) –Rally support for war Joseph Pulitzer William Randolph Hearst

6. American Public Opinion Yellow Journalism –Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers. Jingoism –Intense burst of national pride & aggressive foreign policy Hearst to Frederick Remington: “Please remain. You’ll furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war!”

7. The De lome Letter President McKinley tried to avoid interventionism –He got Spain to recall Weyler & modifiy concentration camp policy NY Journal published private letter from Spanish ambassador to US criticizing McKinley Americans angry over insult to President De Lome Letter thwarted progress by McKinley “…shows what McKinley is, weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd, besides being a would-be politician who tries to leave a door open behind himself while keeping on good terms with the jingoes of his party.” ~ De Lome Letter

8. USS Maine McKinley sends USS Maine into Havana Harbor –Evacuate US citizens if needed (riots) February 15, 1898 –Maine explodes in harbor –260 Americans killed –Press blames Spanish sabotage

9. America Enters the War “Yellow Press” continue to whip up anti-Spanish hysteria April 20, 1898 –US demands that Spain withdraws Authorized President to take military action necessary –Teller Amendment – guaranteed US would not annex Cuba April 25, 1898 –25 th – Spain declares war on US US declares war on Spain