1. The Spanish American War
Chapter 11: American Imperialism

3. Cuba Last Spanish held territory in the Americas
Since 1868 Cuban attempts to gain Independence
Weyler the Butcher- forcing Cubans into depleted parts of Cuba, fortified towns, 400,000 died due to malnurishment

4. US interests in Cuba Location- 90 miles from Florida
90% of Cuba’s exports go to US
President McKinley unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate a peace treaty between Spain and Cuban independence groups

5. Factors Leading to War De Lome Letter Spanish Minister to the US
Private letter was published in New York Journal (February 1898)
Critical of President McKinley
Americans were insulted and angry

6. Factors: USS Maine
Battleship USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor (February 1898)
260 Americans die
Spain is blamed (underwater mine or saboteur)
“Remember the Maine”
Actually an accident; boiler explodes or munitions ignited

8. Yellow Journalism Shocking and dramatic newspaper stories
Facts are less important than an exciting story
Named after comic strip character “Yellow Kid”
Increased public support for the war with Spain

10. New York Journal William Randolph Hearst- owner of NY Journal
“You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.”
Exaggerated reports of Spanish mistreatment of Cubans

11. “Splendid Little War” Only15 weeks of fighting
US beats one of the old major powers of Europe: Spain

12. Rough Riders Yellow journalists focus on his victories
Cavalry led by Teddy Roosevelt
Yellow journalists focus on his victories
Contributes to popularity; offered VP of McKinley
Buffalo Soldiers
Segregated unit with white officers
Elite cavalry that fought in the American West

14. Treaty of Paris, Dec. 1898 US pays $20 million for the Philippines
US gained Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam and Philippines
US pays $20 million for the Philippines
Marked the end of the Spanish Empire in America
Marked the beginning of the US as a colonial power

15. Philippines Fought US for 3 years in a failed attempt for independence
US brutally crushes the uprising
Casualties
4,000 American soldiers
100,000+ Filipinos die (mostly civilians)
US gives the Philippines its independence in 1946