The Spanish American War

1. The Spanish American War 1898

2. Resources You Need • Highlighter • Introduction to Imperialism PowerPoint Notes • An atlas to share with table partner • A focused mind

3. Why does it matter now? • The United States involvement in Latin America and Asia increased greatly as a result of the war and continues today. • Look at your PowerPoint Notes What would George Washington think of the U.S. involvement in other countries and continents? GW would have…

4. Spanish Rule in Cuba • What did the Monroe Doctrine (18230 tell European countries? The Monroe Doctrine says… • Cuba was part of Spain’s Empire • Cuba wanted independence from Spain and voiced a desire for self-rule • Cuban rebels fought Spain for many years, but Spanish rule remained in place.

5. Cuba

6. US Interests in Cuba • Location: Cuba is 90 miles off the coast of Florida • Economics: American businessmen invested in Cuba’s sugar plantations • Why would the United States be “interested” in Cuba’s revolt from Spain? I know… I think… • Share ONE response with the people at your table

7. Cuban Revolt • Cuban rebels engaged in guerrilla warfare (“little war” in Spanish) . • Ambush, raids, sabotage of enemy • Guerrilla warfare is still used today • The Taliban in Afghanistan, The Lord’s Resistance in Uganda • Spain sent a commander to put down the uprising • Thousands of Cubans forced into detention camps. • Many Americans sympathize with the Cuban people. • President McKinley wants to avoid war.

8. Yellow Journalism • Spanish American war was the first “mass media” war. • Most Americans learned about war through newspapers and magazines. • Yellow journalism: a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers.Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, dramatic scandals or sensationalism. (flashcard)

9. Yellow Journalism: Newspapers

10. Yellow Journalism Today? • I think… • I know… • Share ONE of your responses with your table

11. Yellow Journalism Today

12. Creating Public Support • The New York Journal owned by William Randolph Hearst and New York World owned by Joseph Pulitzer saw reporting on the Cuban rebellion as a good way to gain new readers. • These newspapers helped stir public support for U.S. intervention and aid to the rebels (Cubans)

13. Conflict • The New York Journal publishes a letter written by de Lome the Spanish ambassador that called President McKinley “weak and catering to the Cubans.” • U.S.S. Maine, an American battleship, was in Havana harbor to protect Americans in Cuba and their interests. • U.S.S. Maine suddenly exploded and sank in the harbor killing 260 men.

14. Yellow Journalism and the Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine

15. The American People call for War

16. What will the United States do? • Predict • The United Sates will… • President McKinley tells Spain they have one more chance to improve relations with Cuba and its people. • BUT… nothing improves and the Spanish’s brutal treatment of the Cuban people continues. • 100,000 die of starvation and disease • United States demands withdrawal of Spain from Cuba and enacts a blockade. Spain declares war.

17. The United States Declares War

18. The Philippines • The United States starts with the Philippines. • Why? • Spain’s largest remaining colony.

19. Battle of Manila Bay • First battle of the war • Commodore George Dewey opened fire on Spanish fleet • The Spanish fleet was destroyed and captured without any American casualties.

20. U.S. Fighting in Cuba • Mostly volunteers • Four regiments of African American soldiers fought in segregated units. • Rough Riders: college athletes and cowboys. Future President Teddy Roosevelt most famous member. • Fighting only lasts 4 months • 5,500 American casualties.

21. Treaty of Paris • U.S. and Spain meet in Paris • Spain grants independence to Cuba • U.S. took control over Cuba • Spain ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. for $20 million dollars. • Debate in Senate for approval • Why do you think some people in the United States would not like the terms in the Treaty of Paris? People did support the Treaty of Paris because…

22. Debate Pro-Imperialist Anti-Imperialist Controlling foreign people is immoral. We will be just like the European nations who subject people. • Manifest Destiny • President McKinley says the United States should educate and Christianize the Filipino people.