The War of 1898

1. The War of 1898 “A Splendid Little War”

2. Focus Question • What characteristics might lead people to consider a war a “Splendid Little War”?

3. Part One -- Causes of the War

4. Part 2 -- American Troops Battle the Spanish

5. Part 3 -- Effects of the War

6. The War of 1898 • The War of 1898 was America’s first imperialist war • Fought over territories in the Caribbean and Pacific • Stress placed on the four main arguments for Imperialism • Revolved around matters in Cuba • Fought in both Caribbean and Pacific • Involved numerous nations

7. The Last Major Spanish Outpost • Cuba remained part of the Spanish Empire in the 1890s • Major gem in the Caribbean • Major supplier of sugar • Left without autonomy Why should the U.S. get involved?

8. Cuba and the United States • The U.S. long had an interest in Cuba • Close to the U.S. • Major sugar producer • Tried to purchase Cuba in the early 1800s

9. Ten Years’ War • Cuban rebels rose against Spain in 1868 • Rebel leaders driven from Cuba in 1878 • The island was devastated • Spain was bankrupt • Cuban planters turned to the U.S. for loans • Major U.S. investment in sugar • Cuban emigrés settled in U.S.

10. Role of the Yellow Press • Inexpensive, sensationalized newspapers • Pioneered by William Randolph Hearst • Saw a war as a way to sell papers • Focused sympathy for the Cuban people in the Cuban War for Independence

11. Summary • Identify two ways you would improve this lesson.