The Spanish American War- Goal 6.02 America will fight for colonies!

Causes of the War Spain controlled the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico America had interest in Cuba (sugar plantations) and Cuba was constantly rebelling against Spain for their freedom Spain retaliates by cutting Cuban rebels off from food…thousands die of disease and starvation America relates to the Cubans because of American Revolution but doesn’t get involved immediately…neutrality

Yellow Journalism Practiced by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer Increased the American public dislike of the Spanish government in Cuba…rallying support for Spanish American War Exaggerated atrocities in Cuba Compared Cuban rebels to the patriots of the American Revolution

Jingoism Attitude of extreme nationalism Started by William Randolph Hearst after President McKinley was insulted by the Spanish ambassador

Impact of Yellow Journalism and Jingoism Led to US government giving Spain an ultimatum to fix things with Cuba or get ready for American involvement Cubans wanted independence not reform Spain not willing to compromise US sends the USS Maine to Cuba to protect American citizens in Cuba

USS Maine Explodes The USS Maine exploded in the Havana Harbor 266 killed Spanish blamed McKinley doesn’t declare war…just an investigation Investigation showed that a mine had destroyed the ship Jingoists and Yellow Journalists demand war

America Declares War After USS Maine investigation President McKinley declares war Teller Amendment: declared that the US had no intentions of annexing/colonizing Cuba, just helping them gain independence

The Philippines Filipinos were fighting for their freedom from Spain just like Cuba was Under the control of Commodore Dewey, the American navy crushed a Spanish fleet in Manilo Bay in May By August the Spanish had surrendered

Rough Riders Led by future president Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba Unit consisted of rugged westerners and upper class easterners Made famous after the battle of San Juan Hills

“Splendid Little War” Termed used by Secretary of States John Hay Called it this because it only lasted for 4 months showing how easy it was for America Only 380 die in battle 2,2000 die from disease (malaria)

Effects of the War What will US do with Spain’s former colonies? Treaty of Paris: officially ended the war Spain gave US all of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam Sold Philippines to America for $20 million Big debate of Philippines but US needed it for trade with China, a stepping stone After war, America is a world power and model imperialists

Anti-Imperialism league Formed over the debate of the Philippines Included Mark Twain and William Jennings Bryan Argued that imperialism was a crime and undemocratic because US did not treat colonists well Challenged the Treaty of Paris