1. “A Splendid Little War”
Spanish American War
“A Splendid Little War”

2. Causes of Spanish American War
American Sympathy towards Cuban Fight for Freedom against Spanish Rule
Monroe Doctrine – chance to get Spain out of Western Hemisphere
Economic Interests – sugar plantations
Yellow Journalism – American Press got American’s behind going to war
The de lome letter - written by the Spanish minister at Washington, expressed contempt for Pres.McKinley. Published by by W.R. Hearst
Spark: Sinking of the USS Maine

3. Sinking of the USS Maine
On February 15, 1898, the battleship U.S.S. Maine exploded in Havana Harbor
266 US Servicemen killed
Blamed on a Spanish mine

4. Yellow Journalism
A type of journalism that distorts and exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers
William Randolph Hearst vs Joseph Pulitzer.
New York Journal New York World

5. Characteristics of Yellow Journalism
Headlines in huge print, often of minor news
Many pictures, or imaginary drawings
Use of faked interviews, misleading headlines, and false information from so-called experts
Dramatic sympathy with the "underdog" against the system.
Emotional words and symbols; scare tactics

9. Does Yellow
Journalism
Still Exist?

10. President William McKinley, Jr.
25th President
Wanted to avoid war in Cuba
Yellow journalism and public supported war
In April 1898, President McKinley abandoned his failed diplomatic efforts and asked Congress for permission to intervene in Cuba.

11. The Rough Riders
A colorful volunteer cavalry unit led by Teddy Roosevelt.
Composed of cowboys, college students, ex-polo players, steeple chasers, and other adventurous types.
Undisciplined and not always effective.
They did embody the overall American fighting spirit for this war.
The press LOVED them…
They became legendary after they charged up San Juan Hill. This hill was important strategically. The Americans charged up the hill on foot and demoralized the Spanish who held the hill.

12. Battle of Manila Bay
Admiral Dewey – Surprise attack on the Spanish Fleet in Manila Harbor
All Spanish Ships are Sunk
Battle lasts seven hours
Only 9 Americans wounded

13. Battle of San Juan Hill T. Roosevelt led the “Rough Riders” to victory
Only major land battle of the war
Spanish Defeated

14. Battle of Santiago de Cuba
A decisive victory for the US Navy
Complete destruction of the Spanish fleet in Cuba.
One American killed and 10 wounded
Spain signs Treat of Paris Ending the War

15. Effects of the Spanish American War
US becomes an Imperialist Power
Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines become colonies of the US
Cuba gains its independence from Spain, but becomes a US Protectorate
US will “protect” and partially control Cuba
Philippine rebels wanting independence declare war on US

16. America’s New Empire

17. What really happened to the Battleship Maine?