The World newspaper describing the Cuban Revolution Warm Up “Blood on the roadsides, blood in the fields, blood on the doorsteps, blood, blood, blood!” The World newspaper describing the Cuban Revolution How does this make you feel? How could this type of writing influence reading?
Lesson Objectives Why did the United States go to War with Spain in 1898? How did the United States gain an empire as a result of that war?
The Spanish American War 5-2 Background Information: By 1898 Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines were the last of the Spanish Colonies go to map Cubans rebelled with José Martí leading the revolt Cuban sugar plantations generated wealth for Spain Until 1886 1/3 of Cubans were enslaved to wealthy land owners Spain fought back under General Weyler and set up prison camps for the rebels! – 500,000 men, women and children Causes
Spain Puerto Rico Cuba Philippines
Spain’s Empire
Causes 1. American Support for the Cuban uprising against Spain Believed in freedom and independence Protect sugar cane plantations (large exports to US), mines and railroads that American businesses invested in. 2. Yellow Press (journalism) – shocking stories in the newspapers stirring up emotions against Spain about conditions in the camps.
Yellow Journalism a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism scare headlines in huge print, often of minor news lavish use of pictures, or imaginary drawings use of faked interviews, misleading headlines, and a parade of false learning from so-called experts dramatic sympathy with the "underdog" against the system. “eyewitnesses” whose story is not verified before publishing
3. Calls for War President McKinley offered to help negotiate an end to Cuban / Spanish fighting. Spain removes General Weyler Cubans gain self-governing but remain colony Angers Spanish loyalists in Cuba – they riot in Havanna McKinley sends USS Maine to protect the Americans living there. New York Journal publishes a letter by the Spanish ambassador to the US calling McKinley “weak” - US furious over insult.
Causes cont. 4. The explosion of the USS Maine Exploded killing 260 sailors “Remember the Maine!” McKinley faces pressure to go to war
The Spanish American War was fought on two fronts, or locations. The Philippines Under Spanish Control . US fleet Commander George Dewy, attacks Spanish fleet. Destroying most of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay US sends troops from San Francisco to the Philippines – on their way they seize Guam, a Spanish possession. Filipinos had been fighting for independence under Emilio Aguinaldo, now fought alongside U.S. troops
Fronts cont. The Caribbean US navy blockaded the Spanish fleet in Santiago Harbor. Spanish try to escape blockade and US destroys them. US volunteer troops of cowboys, miners, law officers- The Rough Riders, 2nd in commanded was Colonel T. Roosevelt - land in Cuba with the African American 9th and 10th Cavalry and win San Juan Hill. Troops are then sent to Puerto Rico. Empire
Caribbean front
Effects The American Empire Spain agrees to truce after 4 months of fighting – Treaty of Paris US got their empire and took possession of 1. Cuba – independent (protectorate) Platt Amendment 2. Puerto Rico – independent (protectorate) Foraker Act 3. Guam – independent territory 4. Philippines paid $20 million to Spain
Rebellion in the Philippines Emilio Aguinaldo ordered his troops to attack the American soldiers Fighting for almost 3 years –deaths on both sides Filipino guerrilla fighters placed in reconcentration camps to separate them from civilians. Thousands died. US civilian governor, William Taft, improved education, transportation and healthcare Aguinaldo captured – US declares war over Gradually Filipinos gained more independence. By 1930’s had a President and Congress. 1946 full independence.
Debate over Annexation For Economic and military benefits of the Philippines Navy base, stop over on the way to China, large market for goods Duty to help “less civilized” people Against Cost of an empire outweighs economic benefits Cheap labor drive down US wages? Imperialism violated US principals
Wrap Up Do you believe the US should or should not be imperialist? Write 5 lines stating your side. Support your decision with 3 details. Number those details.