1. Yellow Journalism and the Spanish-American War

2. Objective Students will identify the causes of American Expansionism in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries.

3. I. Expansionism By the beginning of the 20 th century, the United States had far greater influence and territory than it had ever had before. This was partially the result of… – Cultural/Religious factors – Political factors – Economic factors

11. II. The Spanish-American War Cubans launched a series of revolts against Spain beginning in 1868, which Spain reacted to by exiling revolutionary leaders. José Marti moved to New York City in 1878, continuing to agitate for Cuban independence through newspaper articles and poetry. Marti returned to Cuba to participate in a revolt in February 1895 but was killed, becoming a hero instantly. Spanish General Valeriano Weyler used ruthless tactics to suppress the revolt, further angering Cubans and swaying American sentiment to the side of the rebels.

12. II. The Spanish-American War Newspapers reported the uprising with dramatic headlines and articles. A letter written by the Spanish minister to the U.S., Enrique Dupuy de Loome, which ridiculed President McKinley, was published by the New York Journal. The battleship USS Maine blew up in Havana harbor, killing 260 American sailors. Although there was no proof, the explosion was blamed on a Spanish mine, galvanizing U.S. support for war with Spain.

14. III. Causes of the Spanish American War Causes – Cuban War of Independence arouses US sympathy Butcher Weyler – Explosion of the Maine “Remember the Maine!” – Yellow Journalism and Jingoism

15. “Yellow Journalism” & Jingoism Joseph Pulitzer William Randolph Hearst Hearst to Frederick Remington: You furnish the pictures, and I’ll furnish the war!

16. Yellow Journalism Characteristics of Yellow Journalism – Attempts to scare intended audience into action, usually violent – use of faked interviews, misleading headlines, pseudo-science, etc. – dramatic sympathy with the "underdog“

17. Review What were some of the causes of American Expansionism in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries? Which one was most important?