1. Prelude to the Spanish-American War

2. Causes for war
Jingoism- intense form of nationalism calling for an aggressive foreign policy
Specific events combined with nationalistic/imperialistic pressure from the American public led to overwhelming demand for war against Spain

3. The Cuban revolt
Cuban nationalists fought against Spanish colonial rule for decades; tried again 1895
Laid waste to Cuban sugar plantations in hopes of two things:
Force Spain to withdraw or pull the U.S. in as an ally
Spain sent over 100,00 troops to crush the revolt and sent the Cuban citizens into armed camps
Thousands died of starvation and disease

4. Yellow Journalism
Sensationalist reporting that featured bold, often false, headlines of crime, disaster and scandal
Printed exaggerated and false accounts of Spanish cruelties in Cuba
Many Americans believed what they read in the newspapers- urged Congress and the president to intervene in Cuba

5. Sinking of the maine
February 15, U.S. battleship Maine was anchored in the harbor in Havana, Cuba
The battleship suddenly exploded, killing 260 Americans on board
The yellow press accused Spain of blowing up the ship
Experts later concluded the explosion was more likely an accident (kitchen fire)

6. Mckinley’s War message
After the sinking of the Maine, President McKinley issued an ultimatum to Spain
Demanded it agree to a ceasefire
Spain agreed to U.S. demands, but U.S. newspapers and most of Congress still demanded war
McKinley gave in to public pressure
McKinley eventually sent a war message to Congress, and offered four reasons for why they should intervene on Cuba’s behalf:
“Put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, starvation, and horrible miseries” in Cuba
Protect the lives and property of U.S. citizens living in Cuba
End “the very serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of our people”
End “the constant menace to our peace” arising from disorder in Cuba

7. The Teller Amendment
In response to McKinley’s war message, Congress also passed the Teller Amendment
Declared that the U.S. had no intention of taking political control of Cuba and that, once peace was restored to the island, the Cuban people would control their own government…

8. ? What is the definition of jingoism? What is yellow journalism?
Why is the sinking of the Maine relevant to the Spanish-American War?
Event though Spain agreed to a U.S. ceasefire, why did McKinley eventually issue a war message? What were the four reasons he gave?
What did the Teller Amendment declare?