1. CAUSES OF SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR Spain was a world power on the decline Once the most powerful colonial power, they had lost most overseas territories by the 1800s Cuba was one of their colonies and by the mid 1800s, US sugar companies had established themselves on the island High tariff causes Cuban economy to crash in 1894 Jose Marti organizes rebellion in 1895 They use guerilla tactics to drive the Spanish Army loco (ha-ha get it I used Spanish)

2. Spain responds to guerilla tactics by sending General Weyler(aka Butcher Weyler) to suppress the revolution He places 300,000 civilians into concentration camps. Many will die in camps from disease. US journalists Hearst and Pulitzer use yellow journalism to sway US public opinion against Spain “You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war” With US sympathy for Cuban rebels growing, President McKinley tries diplomatic means to resolve the crisis(only limited success is seen) Feb 1898, Cuban rebels intercept a letter written by de Lome. In this letter de Lome criticizes McKinley was a weak leader.

3. Despite many Americans agreeing with criticism; including TR (“McKinley has the backbone of a chocolate éclair”); many are outraged that a low level official was so critical of the US President Feb. 15 1898- USS Maine is in Havana Harbor. It explodes killing 260 of 350 crewman and causing the ship to sink. With no proof at all, US yellow journalists blame Spain and offer $50,000 reward for capture of Spanish agents responsible 1976 study shows that an internal explosion in the coal room caused secondary explosions in engine room and ammunition room that caused the ship to sink. It was not some Super Spanish Sailor dude who attached a bomb to the hull of the ship.