“A splendid little war” Secretary of State John Hay THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR (April-August 1898) The United States Becomes A World Power

CAUSES  Monroe Doctrine l Keep European influences out of our hemisphere  American Imperialism l Enhance American Empire (Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines)  Yellow Journalism l Sensationalized media used specifically to instigate pro-American feelings and stir up support for war

BEGINNINGS  Cuba l Owned by Spain Spanish empire declining l U.S. trading partner $100M per year l Cubans trying to gain independence 1860’s failed Try again in 1890’s

THE CUBAN INSURRECTION  Cuba has small army l Uses guerrilla warfare l Burn sugar fields  General Valeriano Weyler l Sets up concentration camps All “non-combatants” Famine, disease  American opinion of Spanish actions is low l American press sends reporters to Cuba to investigate

THINK OUT LOUD  Why would the U.S. be concerned with what was happening in Cuba?  What would the U.S. have to gain?

AMERICA GETS INVOLVED  William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer l Circulation war between their two competing newspapers Hearst=New York Journal Pulitzer=New York World l NEED to sell newspapers What kind of news sells? Spanish Oppression of Cubans l “Yellow Journalism” Give the public what they want, sensationalize it Money and entertainment –Remington (artist) –Evangelina Cisneros (niece of a rebel leader)

What is YOUR reaction to the drawing?

“REMEMBER THE MAINE”  Maine sent down as a “goodwill mission” l Intimidate l Anchored in Port of Havana l Feb Maine mysteriously blows up 260 Americans killed l War doesn’t start immediately

THINK OUT LOUD  Can you think of another event where the U.S. was attacked and it started a war?  How ‘should’ the U.S. respond to attacks like this?

WHO DONE IT?  Newspapers (“Yellow Journalism”) l Blame Spanish--”Remember The Maine…To Hell With Spain” Spanish don’t want war U.S. makes demands to get rid of Weyler and end concentration camps (March 1898) Spanish comply with EVERYTHING except independence for Cuba l Found out later that it was a boiler that exploded Truth mattered little--most Americans want war

THINK OUT LOUD  Write your OWN (YELLOW JOURNALISM) headline about the Terror Attack on

DE’LOME LETTER  De’Lome Spanish embassador (D.C.) l Writes a personal letter to friend in Cuba l Letter is intercepted and finds its way to front page of Hearst’s paper Letter blasts McKinley Criticizes America l Last straw War declared April 1898 –Teller Amendment –U.S. will not take Cuba

WAR BEGINS  Teddy Roosevelt= Asst. Sec. Of Navy l TR cables China and tells Admiral Dewey to attack Spanish fleet in Philippines l This is where war actually starts (Battle of Manila Bay) l “You may fire when ready, Gridley” Admiral Dewey l Spanish lose 400+ men (we lose 2)

THINK OUT LOUD  Talk to your neighbor and compare the American “body count” during the Battle of Manila and the War in Iraq.

WAR IN CUBA  Over in 10 weeks l Men form their own regiments “Rough Riders” formed by Teddy Roosevelt Cowboys, a sheriff, Indian fighters, ex-cons, polo players, football players Have to get to Tampa Bay where boats leave Land, wander around looking for Spanish Battle of San Juan Hill –American victory

RESULTS OF THE WAR  U.S. acquires Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines l Philippines cost $20 million  Hawaii l We don’t get it from the Spanish but it is annexed as a result of the war  Platt Amendment l Give Cuba its independence Cuba not allowed to make treaties that would compromise their independence