CHAPTER 18 “U.S. Imperialism”

The Spanish-American War CHAPTER 18 – SECTION 2 The Spanish-American War

Jose Marti Cuban poet and journalist Organizes revolution against Spain in 1895 Hopes to provoke U.S. to help aid the rebelling Cubans

Cuba Libre! War cry for rebelling Cubans Started by Jose Marti US citizens grow inspired by the Cubans’ fight Means “Free Cuba!”

General Valeriano Weyler Nicknamed the “Butcher” Spain’s toughest, most brutal soldier Sent to Cuba to punish, imprison, or kill all rebels

Yellow Journalism Sensational and exaggerated news stories Appeared in all US newspapers Made Americans want war against Spain

The De Lome Letter Private letter from Spanish minister to US Enrique De Lome Calls US President McKinley “weak” and a coward Newspapers print it, outraging most Americans

U.S.S. Maine US battleship in Havana Harbor, Cuba explodes and sinks on night of Feb 15, 1898 Newspapers blame Spain!! US declares war on Spain April 1898

War in Philippines George Dewey leads US fleet across Pacific Destroys entire Spanish fleet at Manila Bay In 2 months, US and Filipino forces force Spain to surrender island

War in Caribbean Teddy Roosevelt leads group of volunteer soldiers called “Rough Riders” onto Cuban soil Wins Battle of San Juan Hill Spain gives up Cuba in 2 months

“Splendid Little War” Newspapers give the war this nickname Only 15 weeks of fighting to achieve complete victory More soldiers died from heat, disease than battle

Treaty of Paris Peace Treaty between US and Spain US gets Spain’s old colonies of Guam, Puerto Rico, and Philippines Imperialists happy US empire has grown with more territory! Anti-Imperialists upset that US comes off as bully, and that Cubans and Filipinos still aren’t free…