1. The Spanish – American War 1898 America Claims an Empire

2. Immediate Cause of War  USS Maine explodes and sinks due to an unknown cause  “The warship Maine was split in two by an enemy’s secret infernal machine” February 15, 1898

3. Underlying Causes  America’s concern over conditions in Cuba  Colony of Spain  Unrest & turmoil – Cuban’s rebellions against Spain  Jose Marti  Manifest Destiny  Expansionist’s plan

4. Underlying Causes cont.  Economic Interest  Sugar Industry  Land ownership in Cuba  Rebels burning crops  Unstable government = bad business  Close to Home  90 miles south of Florida

5. Underlying Causes Cont.  Yellow Journalism = Sensationalism  Hearst (the Journal) vs. Pulitzer (the World)  Exaggerated stories to create sales  Headlines stirred & influenced American Public  General Valeriano Weyler Sent from Spain to maintain order Concentration Camps

6. Underlying Causes Cont.  De Lôme Letter  Spanish Minister, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme  Letter published in New York Journal  Criticism of President McKinley provoked American Public Explosion of USS Maine

7. “Remember the Maine!”  April 9, 1898  April 11, 1898  Spanish government agrees to American demands – six month cease-fire  America declares war against Spain

8. “A splendid little War” – John Hay  April 30  June 1898  August 1898  Commodore George Dewey gives order to fire on Spanish fleet at Manila Bay  American troops land in Cuba  Spanish troops surrender in Philippines Established superiority of American naval forces

9. Key American Components  Strong Naval Forces  Rough Riders  Teddy Roosevelt  Volunteer Cavalry  Cowboys, athletes, Native Americans & police officers  San Juan, Santiago Bay & El Caney

10. America’s Involvement Teller Amendment U.S. would leave Cuba once it was free Platt Amendment 1. Cuba not allowed to enter into any agreement that would danger its independence 2. US had right to intervene 3. Guantanamo Bay

11. Significance of Spanish – American War  America emerges as world power  United America  Ended the Spanish Empire  Peace Treaty gave America a colonial empire  Made Teddy Roosevelt a hero