2. Early in 1898 riots erupted in Havana, the capital of Cuba against Spanish oppression.
Cuban nationalists Jose Marti.
President McKinley moved the battleship U.S.S. Maine into the city’s harbor to protect American citizens/property.
A letter written by a Spanish Ambassador claimed McKinley as “weak.”

4. An explosion sank the U.S.S. Maine
250 Total Deaths
An enraged American public blamed the Spanish for the disaster and called for war.
President McKinley hesitated.

5. Yellow Journalism

6. U.S.S. Maine Feb. 15,1898

7. Rebellion was taking place in the Philippines also.
A key base for U.S. Navy.
Admiral George Dewey was told to attack the Spanish Fleet if war broke out with Spain.

9. The war’s first action took place in the Philippines not Cuba.
The U.S. Navy destroyed Spain’s entire Pacific fleet in less than 7 hours.
In Cuba meanwhile, U.S. warships quickly destroyed Spain’s Atlantic fleet.

10. 2,500 total American deaths.
400 in battle, the rest from disease.
The United States signed the Treaty of Paris with Spain, December 1898.
The Spanish recognized Cuba’s independence.
The U.S. gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines for $20 million.

11. Puerto Ricans would be considered US Citizens
Cuba became a protectorate – partially controlled by the US
Philippines were outraged – they thought they were getting independence
Instead US acted just like Spain had

13. Panama Canal
Roosevelt felt the U.S. needed a canal cutting across Central America.
Link between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
U.S. had rights to build and control a canal through Panama.

14. Panama Canal
French had started building a canal, and sold it to the U.S. for $40 million dollars in 1903.
Before starting work, U.S. had to get permission from Columbia.
When negotiations failed, the U.S. helped organize and execute a Panamanian Revolution.

15. Panama Canal
A dozen U.S. warships were present when Panama declared independence.
2 weeks later, U.S. and Panama agreed on payment for a Canal Zone.

18. Canal Construction Builders fought yellow fever and malaria
More than 5,600 workers died from accidents or disease
Total cost was about $380 million.