Why did the USA go to war with Spain over Cuba in 1898?

(10 Marks) (Timed + notes)

The main reason that the USA went to war with Spain in 1898 was because of the social impact that yellow
journalism made. The economic advantages of taking over Cuba also managed to contribute to the final
decision to wage war.

When Spanish ambassador general Valene Weyler sent a private letter criticizing the president William
McKinley, the contents were made public and this embarrassed the Spanish and angered the American public.
The public and press then used yellow journalism which exaggerated news; to make the American public hate
the Spanish for the supposed atrocities against the Cubans. The American public began demanding that the US
government should do something, and as a result the US Maine battleship was sent to the Havana harbor to
investigate the situation. the sending of this ship, and what happened to it, catalyzed the beginning of the
Spanish American war in Cuba.

The US Maine exploded in the harbor, Leaving 266 members dead. This caused an outrage amongst the
American public. They began demanding that the US do something. the president began feeling under
pressure as he was a Democratic ruler, and so if he did not give the people what they wanted, he would not be
elected during his next campaign. He wanted to stay in power. The explosion of the US Maine was a short-
term reason that triggered the war; however, the only reason the US Maine was sent to Havana was due to
the yellow journalism - Which in turn caused the public to demand justice from the US government.

The economic advantages that Cuba offered the US could be argued to be the main reason that the US went
to war with Spain over Cuba. according to the Monroe Doctrine, which was established in 1823, Cuba was in
the USA’s sphere of influence. various sugar plantations were located on the island, as well as the United Fruit
Company. This Meant to add Cuba could provide a boost in US trade. However, the economic advantages
were not the main reason as the US were aware of them the entire time; yet they were neutral in the
situation. Hence, meaning the boost in trade was not that important to them. The social reason that is the
yellow journalism motivated the government to finally take action. the boost in trade was just an added
advantage which would also help them recover from the 1893 depression (AKA the panic of 1893).

In conclusion, yellow journalism was the main reason that the USA went to war with Spain in 1898. it put the
US government under pressure to send the USS Maine, and once it exploded, the public put even more
pressure on the government to take action. The US president gave the public what they wanted as he wanted
to stay in power. The economic advantages merely made the idea of the war and taking Cuba more of an
advantage for the US.