Spanish-American War Chapter 22, Section 3 Pgs

Yellow Journalism Sensational, biased, and often false reporting

Armistice A peace agreement

Protectorate A country that is technically independent but actually under the control of another country.

Spanish Rule in Cuba Jose Marti led his people in a new revolt. Rebels burned sugarcane fields and destroyed buildings In retaliation Spanish troops herded Cuban people into camps to separate them from the rebels and to break their morale. Thousands of Cubans died of starvation and disease

Cuban Sympathy Businesspeople Worried about the loss of trade and their loss of investments in Cuba Government leaders Concerned about a rebellion so close to the U.S. Other Americans Were horrified by the atrocities against Cuban civilians

War Fever The press reported the tragedy in Cuba in graphic detail. Each publication tried to outdo each other with shocking reports. Hearst supposedly told an artist who was illustrating a story on Cuba, “You finish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war.”

Maine McKinley sent the battleship to protect American citizens and property when rioting broke out in the Cuban capital of Havana.

Remember the Maine The ship remained anchored for three weeks without incident. On Feb. 15, 1898, an enormous explosion shattered the Maine, killing 260. American newspapers immediately blamed the Spaniards with the headline, “Remember the Maine!” Spain denied responsibility, but Americans wanted war.

April 19, 1898 Congress recognized Cuban independence. Congress demanded the withdrawal of Spanish forces Congress authorized the president to use the army and navy to enforce American aims. On April 25, 1898, Congress declared war on Spain.

The Philippines The war actually began in the Philippines. Most of the Spanish fleet was docked in Manila Bay. On May 1, 1898, Commodore Dewey launched a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet, destroying most of its fleet. This crippled the Spaniards ability to send reinforcements to fight us in Cuba.

San Juan Hill The U.S. had blockaded a Spanish fleet in the harbor of Santiago in late May. On July 1, the Rough Riders stormed San Juan Hill and after intense fighting captured it. Two days later the Spanish fleet tried to break out of Santiago and was destroyed. The two defeats ended Spanish resistance in Cuba.

Puerto Rico The U.S. turned its attention to the Spanish colony of Puerto Rico. American troops landed there in late July and on August 12 the Spanish signed an armistice ending the war.

“ A splendid little war” John Hay called it splendid because the war lasted fewer than four months and only about 400 Americans lost their lives.

Treaty of Paris The official end of the war was on December 10, 1898 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Terms of the treaty: Cuba became an American protectorate. Puerto Rico and Guam became American territories. Spain surrendered the Philippines for $20 million.

Platt Amendment In 1901 the U.S. agreed to grant Cubans full independence, but only if they agreed to the Platt Amendment. Prohibited Cuba from making treaties with other nations Gave America control of a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. Gave the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs if their independence was threatened.

Philippines In February 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo’s forces began a fight for independence. More than 4,000 Americans died. At least 200,000 Filipino soldiers and civilians died. Aguinaldo was captured in Taft established a civilian government.