Spanish-American War

Reasons for the Spanish-American War

Protection of American business interests in Cuba Struggle for Cuban Independence Tragedy of the USS Maine

Yellow Journalism

Protection of American business interests in Cuba



Cuba was a major source of trade

American investments in sugar

By aiding Cuban independence from Spain, American business interests would be protected.

Struggle for Cuban Independence

    

Major struggles for independence began in 1868. Heavy use of guerilla warfare American support of Cuban rebels to gain independence from Spain Spanish criticized for violent suppression of Cuban efforts Spain reluctant because Cuba was a major contributor to the Spanish economy, so its loss would be a major blow

Tragedy of USS Maine

President McKinley sent the USS Maine to Havana to ensure the safety of American citizens Sent as a result of the recent riots Sunk at 9:40 pm, February 15, 1898

Tragedy cont.

Still do not know for certain what caused the explosion of the Maine, although log reports know that it was an internal explosion, and many experts believe it was a mine Death of 266 U.S. sailors Rising tensions between Spain and the United States as a result of the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor News of this event, combined with the way it was sensationalized rapidly created public outcry, which probably helped to speed up war sentiments McKinley requested $50 million dollars from congress for defense as a result

Yellow Journalism

While not the single cause for movement towards war, it definitely moved public opinion and aided political pressure You furnish the pictures, Ill furnish the war William Randolph Hearst to one of his illustrators.

Declaration of War

On April 21 President McKinley orders a blockade of Cuba and four days later the U.S. declares war

QuickTime and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.

Surprise in the Philippines

 

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt was eager to expand US naval power. After the Maine blew up, Roosevelt ordered Commodore George Dewey to move his ships in order to strike the Philippines when the war broke out. On May 1, Dewey, with a small fleet of American warships, sank the entire Spanish squadron at Manila Bay, in the Philippines. The US did not lose a single ship or life.

War in the Caribbean

   

US troops were poorly trained and equipped but they were eager to fight U.S. ships trapped the Spanish fleet in Santiago harbor. When the fleet tried to escape, the US destroyed it. After the Spanish surrendered Cuba, the US invaded Puerto Rico and quickly brought the island under US control.

The Rough Riders



Led by Theodore Roosevelt, who quit his navy position in order to go to war. Roosevelt helped lead his men in a successful charge up San Juan Hill that became the most celebrated event of te war.

Treaty of Paris
   

Spain accepted Cuban independence. The United States gained four territories. The United States paid Spain $20 million. Treaty triggered a debate in the US. - Many Americans said taking colonies brought the risk of future wars. - Expantionists welcomed the treaty saying that the territories allowed the US to spread democracy.

United States gains territories.



US gained: - Puerto Rico - the Philippines -the Pacific Islands of Guam - Wake

Foreign Policy after SpanishAmerican War.



US replaced Spain as the leading Caribbean power. After the war the United States became more involved in foreign affairs.