2. The Spanish American War

3. The Cuban Rebellion… Since the time of Columbus, Cuba had been a Spanish Colony… Cuba began a revolt in 1895. Economy had collapsed. –Spanish sent 150,000 troops Began policy of “reconcentration” –Hundreds of thousands moved to concentration camps to “keep population from aiding rebellion.” »Disease, starvation kills est. 200,000 in 2 years. –Rebels, Cuban-Americans begged US to intervene. Presidents Cleveland, McKinley refuse. –Rebels begin destroying US sugar plantations, mills in Cuba. »Business leaders begin calling for intervention

4. The “Cuban Holocaust”

6. Yellow Journalism How did the reading at the beginning of class say the term “Yellow Journalism” came about? The NY Journal (William Randolph Hearst) vs. NY World (Joseph Pulitzer) –Both began publishing sensational (sometimes border-line fictional) stories about the war to increase circulation. The result? –Increased American sympathy for the Cuban rebels. The NY Journal sketches a Cuban woman being “searched” by Spanish Authorities…

7. Steps to War Early 1898: Riots erupt in Havana –McKinley moved the battleship Maine into the harbor to protect American citizens and property. February 1898: The de Lome letter published –Spanish ambassador, Dupuy de Lome called McKinley “weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd.” Outcry was intensified by newspaper sensationalism February 15 th, 1898: Maine explodes in Havana –250 American sailors die. –Most likely caused by fire that set off ammunition. –Papers blame Spain, call for war declaration: “How long shall the US sit idle and indifferent within sound and hearing of rape and murder?” “REMEMBER THE MAINE. TO HELL WITH SPAIN!”

8. The War Hawks Win Out… Admiral George Dewey, commander of the Pacific Fleet was told to attack Spain in the Philippines should war break out. Late March: McKinley sent a list of demands to Spain 1.Compensation for the Maine 2.End to reconcentration camps 3.Recognize Cuban independence Spain agreed to all but the last term –Upset “war hawks.” in Congress. –April, McKinley sends war message to Congress. Congress recognized Cuba as independent, authorized force against Spain.

9. “A Splendid Little War” Admiral Dewey launched a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet in the Pacific –Destroyed entire fleet in just six hours! US volunteers gathered in Tampa, FL –Most famous group was the “Rough Riders.” TR had resigned his position as Asst. Sec’t of Navy to lead them. –Won the “Battle of San Juan Hill” US blockaded Cuba Spanish fleet tried to escape out of Santiago Harbor -US Fleet sank every Spanish ship!

10. The Treaty of Paris December, 1898 –Outcomes: 1.Spain recognizes Cuban independence. 2.US pays $20 million for the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam

14. Hearst and Pulitzer