cAUSES
American entrepreneurs had invested large sums of money in sugar cane plantations in Cuba, making Cuba a growing interest for American markets. However, Cuba was constantly battling Spain for their independence causing chaos and instability in the tiny island country. There were many different aspects of this war that got the U.S. involved.
A war for independence from Spain was launched in 1895 by José Martí. Spanish General Valeriano Weyler reacted by setting up concentration camps in Cuba, where thousands of Cubans suffered from diseases and famine. These actions gained U.S. sympathizers for Cubans.
The U.S. involvement was also sparked by the fact that they saw Cuba as a great opportunity to expand the American market.
The Yellow Press played an important role in igniting Americans' rage towards Spain. Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Hearst's New York Journal were popular Yellow Press publications that often exaggerated and distorted the events that took place in Cuba.
Finally McKinley decided it was time to take action to protect Americans in Cuba, as Spain refused to grant Cubans independence. He sent the battleship Maine to the Havana harbor. Later when the Maine blew up on February 15, 1898 and killed over 260 Americans. Americans accused the Spanish of blowing up the battleship.
American nationalism was also fueled by William Hearst's publication of a private message -- written by the Spanish ambassador, Enrique Dupuy de Lome, to Washington D.C. -- that insulted President McKinley.
A war for independence from Spain was launched in 1895 by José Martí. Spanish General Valeriano Weyler reacted by setting up concentration camps in Cuba, where thousands of Cubans suffered from diseases and famine. These actions gained U.S. sympathizers for Cubans.
The U.S. involvement was also sparked by the fact that they saw Cuba as a great opportunity to expand the American market.
The Yellow Press played an important role in igniting Americans' rage towards Spain. Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Hearst's New York Journal were popular Yellow Press publications that often exaggerated and distorted the events that took place in Cuba.
Finally McKinley decided it was time to take action to protect Americans in Cuba, as Spain refused to grant Cubans independence. He sent the battleship Maine to the Havana harbor. Later when the Maine blew up on February 15, 1898 and killed over 260 Americans. Americans accused the Spanish of blowing up the battleship.
American nationalism was also fueled by William Hearst's publication of a private message -- written by the Spanish ambassador, Enrique Dupuy de Lome, to Washington D.C. -- that insulted President McKinley.
U.S. Declares war on Spain
In 1898, President McKinley declared war on Spain
The U.S. won the Spanish-American war by a landslide. Commodore George Dewey led a squadron of vessels into Manila Bay and the U.S. navy quickly defeated the Spanish force. Emilio Aguinaldo led the Filipinos in a fight for independence from Spain as well. The U.S. stepped in to help the Filipinos and Spain surrendered. American troops also came to Cuba in June 1898. Spanish forces finally surrendered to the American Rough Riders in Santiago.
The U.S. won the Spanish-American war by a landslide. Commodore George Dewey led a squadron of vessels into Manila Bay and the U.S. navy quickly defeated the Spanish force. Emilio Aguinaldo led the Filipinos in a fight for independence from Spain as well. The U.S. stepped in to help the Filipinos and Spain surrendered. American troops also came to Cuba in June 1898. Spanish forces finally surrendered to the American Rough Riders in Santiago.
cONSEQUENCES
The war was officially ended by the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in December 1898. Spain gave up its power over Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam. Cuba gained its independence, and Spain sold Puerto Rico to the U.S. for $20 million. This was discriminated against because many Americans thought the Spanish-American War was only meant to help free these countries from Spain, not acquire more territory. Filipinos also ended up organizing an insurrection under Emilio Aguinaldo against the U.S. to gain independence.
This led to the formation of the Anti-Imperialist League, which was led by William Jennings Bryan and Mark Twain.
Even though Americans won the war, many Americans died. While only a small percentage died in combat, many suffered from diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
Despite the fact that anti-imperialist groups disapproved, America's victory in the Spanish-American War can be considered a turning point in America's road to becoming an empire.
This led to the formation of the Anti-Imperialist League, which was led by William Jennings Bryan and Mark Twain.
Even though Americans won the war, many Americans died. While only a small percentage died in combat, many suffered from diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.
Despite the fact that anti-imperialist groups disapproved, America's victory in the Spanish-American War can be considered a turning point in America's road to becoming an empire.