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Causes of the Spanish American War

Causes of the Spanish American War . 1898. Humanitarian Concerns. Stories of cruel treatment of Cubans by the Spanish – poverty, starvation, imprisonment Use of “reconcentration camps” by Spain led to the death of many innocent Cubans

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Causes of the Spanish American War

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  1. Causes of the Spanish American War 1898

  2. Humanitarian Concerns • Stories of cruel treatment of Cubans by the Spanish – poverty, starvation, imprisonment • Use of “reconcentration camps” by Spain led to the death of many innocent Cubans • U.S. can’t help but be involved – “tugged at the heartstrings of the people”

  3. Economic Concerns • Many U.S. business interests in Cuba were disrupted by war (banks, sugar plantations, hotels) • The on-going civil war in Cuba was costing American businesses money

  4. Yellow Journalism • U.S. newspapers ran exaggerated stories of the events in Cuba to increase circulation – blood, guts, & gory details sold papers • Many stories sensationalized the events but Americans believed them to be true • Public opinion → Anti-Spain

  5. The DeLôme Letter • Letter from Spanish official “leaked” to the press • Critical of President McKinley – called him “weak”, a “would-be politician” and a jingoist (aggressive nationalist) • Considered an insult to the president & the nation • Chances for peaceful negotiations were unlikely

  6. Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor • 268 American sailors died • “State of the Art” American ship destroyed • Uncertain of how it happened: Spain attacked ? Boiler blew up ? Cubans sabotaged ?

  7. “Spain must be responsible” • After hearing all the horrible things Spain had done • American people didn’t want to wait for investigation • Jumped to conclusion

  8. Immediate cause of War: The sinking of the U.S.S. Maine

  9. Newspapers told the story

  10. Results of the Spanish American War • Treaty of Paris (1898) • Cuba → Independent • Platt Amendment to Cuban Constitution makes Cuba a protectorate of the U.S. • Puerto Rico & Guam ceded to U.S. • Philippines sold to U.S. ($20 million)

  11. Importance • U.S. becomes a World Power with Colonies • U.S. interests stretch around the world

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