Unit 5: Imperialism & WWI 12.14.18
The Spanish-American War April – August 1898
Spanish-American War Background Cuba was a Spanish colony 1895 – Cuban economy collapses, they rebel War between Spain & Cubans for Cuban independence
Spanish-American War Background Spanish General uses policy of “reconcentrados”, or “re-concentration” puts Cubans into guarded camps 225,000 Cubans dies in 18 months US reports of the camps outrage Americans Congress condemns the actions President Cleveland against going to war In his last speech he acknowledges that it might be necessary
America & Cuba America had business interests in Cuba Riots in Havana led to destruction of American plantations New President McKinley sends battleship U.S.S. Maine to Havana protect American citizens
Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898
Who Sank the Maine? Read Doc A & fill in the date, what happened, & supporting info Then read Doc B & fill in the date, what happened, & supporting info Fill in the last box for both articles (a quote that contradicts the other article) Answer the final question on the back
Discussion What does the Journal say happened? What does the Times say happened? Which source has better evidence?
The USS Maine Responsibility was never determined Navy investigation found convincing evidence that an explosion (possibly a mine/torpedo) set off the battleship’s forward magazine Spanish government offered to comply with an independent investigation But the American people had already decided Spain was responsible “Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!”
McKinley’s War Message McKinley asked Spain for the following: Compensation for the Maine End to concentration camps Truce in Cuba Cuban independence
Spain’s Response Agreed to all of McKinley’s demands except Cuban independence McKinley decided he couldn’t resist the growing cries for war Asked Congress to authorize war against Spain
The War Began April 25, 1898 Lasts only 114 days “Splendid little war” -Secretary of State John Hay
Battle of San Juan Hill Winning this battle would become the key to America winning the whole war Two stories: Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders Rough Riders + Buffalo Soldiers
The Rough Riders 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry cowboys, gamblers, hunters, prospectors, college boys, and Native Americans from all 45 states, 4 U.S. territories, & 14 countries Roosevelt orders a charge after the Spaniards, clears the Spanish trenches, & holds San Juan Hill
“Buffalo Soldiers” 9th & 10th Calvaries (units of veteran black troops) Fought in the western frontier against Native Americans Battle of San Juan not so easy Only a handful of soldiers heard Roosevelt’s instructions once they reached the top Roosevelt retreated, regrouped, & assembled a more respectable force
Battle of San Juan Hill "There was very great confusion at this time, the different regiments being completely intermingled - white regulars, colored regulars, and Rough Riders.” -Roosevelt Mix of troops in the battle for the top. Regulars & volunteers, blacks & whites, fought side by side Most experts agree: Roosevelt’s personal valor & leadership were the single strongest elements leading to that day’s victory
America Wins! Santiago surrendered July 17, 1898 Americans took Puerto Rico easily, July 25
The War Ends 60,000 Spanish died 6,000 Americans died Only 374 from battle Rest from disease
The Treaty of Paris (1898) Provisions of the Treaty: Spain recognized Cuban independence For $20 million, Spain gave up the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the United States Became “unincorporated” territories meaning that they would never be considered for statehood