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Introduction to Spanish-American War

This introduction provides a background on the Spanish-American War, including the reasons for the conflict, American economic interests, the role of yellow journalism, and key events leading to war. Learn about the Rough Riders and the results of the war that made the United States a world power.

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Introduction to Spanish-American War

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

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

  3. USA • Cuba • The Philippines

  4. Why? • Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies!

  5. Spain’s Reconcentration Policy • What? • Spain was fighting a guerilla war for Cuban independence and needed to separate “good” from “bad guys • General Weyler forced the rural population of central and western Cuba into barbed wire concentration camps. Thousands died of starvation and disease. • Why? • How did it lead to war? • Made Spain look bad in American eyes

  6. American Economic Interests • What? • Protecting their economic interests • Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were owned by Americans. The US had offered to buy Cuba from Spain, but the offer was rejected. • Why? • How did it lead to war? • Made Americans more likely to help out Cuba

  7. “Yellow Journalists” • What? • Make more $ if they keep you scared and interested • Newspaper created highly exaggerated stories • Why? • How did it lead to war? • Made Americans want war!

  8. “Yellow Journalism” • “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war William Randolph Hearst • Frederic Remington’s Disrobing Propaganda

  9. Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

  10. DeLome Letter • NY Times published a letter written by Enrique deLome, Spanish minister to the US that criticized President McKinley, calling him weak and self-serving. • Spain apologized • This further angered the US

  11. Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor • What? • USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba Harbor, • Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault • How did it lead to war? • “Spark” that started the war • “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” • War declared on August 20, 1898

  12. Slide Analysis: Headline of the Maine Explosion • Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo?2/17/1898 New York World

  13. Manila Bay: First attack of the Spanish-American War • What Happened at Manila Bay? • A Surprise naval attack, led by Commodore George Dewey sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy. • This allowed American troops to land in the Phillippines. • Spain surrendered in August.

  14. War in the Caribbean • Hostilities started with a US blockade of Cuba. • Although the US had a superior navy, the ground forces were not prepared for war. There was only a small standing army. • 125,000 American volunteered to fight, but the training camps lacked the supplies and leadership needed to create an effective fighting force.

  15. Rough Riders: Volunteer Infantry • Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader? • Teddy Roosevelt resigns as Asst Secy of the Navy to lead a “Cowboy Calvary” • Brought his own photographer • Roosevelt’s popularity from this leads to his becoming V.P. and President

  16. Rough Riders • What famous Battle did they participate in? • San Juan Hill • African Americans also helped but get no credit

  17. Teddy Roosevelt

  18. Results • US defeats Spain & becomes a world power • US gained the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam • Teller Amendment -  the U.S. could not annex Cuba but only leave "control of the island to its people." In short, the U.S. would help Cuba gain independence and then withdraw all its troops from the country. • Platt Amendment - allowed the United States to intervene unilaterally in Cuban affairs, and a pledge to lease land to the United States for naval bases on the island.

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