The Spanish American War

Samoset Middle School

8th Grade Social Studies

America’s Pacific EmpireAmerica’s Pacific Empire

Spain’s Declining PowerSpain’s Declining Power

Due to wars fought in Europe, Spain’s power in the Caribbean greatly declined

By the 1890’s, Spain was left with Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean and the Philippines and Guam in the Pacific

CubaCuba

Located 90 miles from Florida

U.S. had important economic interests in Cuba Investments in railroads, sugar & rice plantations, tobacco & iron

mines

““Cuba Libre”Cuba Libre”

Beginning in 1868, Cubans revolt against Spanish rule

In 1895, Spain sends a ruthless governor to Cuba to crush the rebellion

At least 100,000 Cubans are killed in reconcentration camps

Many Americans sympathized with Cubans but many businesses wanted to protect their interests

Yellow JournalismYellow Journalism Joseph Pulitzer’s World and William Randolph Hearst’s Journal were

competing for readers

Yellow journalism - when journalists rely on sensational stories, which are usually bias or untrue, in order to sell more newspapers

Both printed the most graphic stories about Spanish atrocities

Analysis => What was the impact on public opinion?

“You supply the pictures, I’ll supply the war.”

- William Randolph Hearst to a photographer going to Cuba

Remember The Maine!Remember The Maine!

McKinley sends the battleship Maine to protect U.S. citizens living in Havana, Cuba after riots break out

The ship suddenly explodes in Havana Harbor killing 260 crew members

Yellow journalists blame the Spanish and use the rallying cry, “Remember The Maine” to get McKinley to ask for a declaration of war

War is declared on April 25, 1898

War in CubaWar in Cuba

American navy blockades Spanish fleet in Santiago Bay

American army lands in Santiago and fight with Cuban rebels

Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders join the army and capture San Juan Hill overlooking the city of Santiago

After loss of Santiago, Spanish fleet tries to escape Santiago Bay but is destroyed by American navy

The Rough RidersThe Rough Riders

Spanish American War in the Spanish American War in the PhilippinesPhilippines

Once war is declared on Spain, U.S. naval forces arrive in Philippines, Spain’s Pacific base

U.S. naval commander launches surprise attack and destroys the Spanish fleet

U.S. troops fight side by side with Filipino rebels and defeat the Spanish

““A Splendid Little War”A Splendid Little War” War lasted only 4 months with only 400 U.S. soldiers

killed – however thousands died from disease

Cuba gains independence but must ratify the Platt Amendment in their new constitution => gave U.S. a naval base and allowed U.S. to intervene when necessary

U.S. gains Puerto Rico in Caribbean and Guam in Pacific

U.S. acquires Philippines for $20 million. How do Filipino rebels feel?