1. The Spanish American War- Goal 6.02
America will fight for colonies!

2. Causes of the War
Spain controlled the Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico
America had interest in Cuba (sugar plantations) and Cuba was constantly rebelling against Spain for their freedom
Spain retaliates by cutting Cuban rebels off from food…thousands die of disease and starvation
America relates to the Cubans because of American Revolution but doesn’t get involved immediately…neutrality

3. Yellow Journalism
Practiced by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer
Increased the American public dislike of the Spanish government in Cuba…rallying support for Spanish American War
Exaggerated atrocities in Cuba
Compared Cuban rebels to the patriots of the American Revolution

4. Jingoism Attitude of extreme nationalism
Started by William Randolph Hearst after President McKinley was insulted by the Spanish ambassador

5. Impact of Yellow Journalism and Jingoism
Led to US government giving Spain an ultimatum to fix things with Cuba or get ready for American involvement
Cubans wanted independence not reform
Spain not willing to compromise
US sends the USS Maine to Cuba to protect American citizens in Cuba

6. USS Maine Explodes The USS Maine exploded in the Havana Harbor
266 killed
Spanish blamed
McKinley doesn’t declare war…just an investigation
Investigation showed that a mine had destroyed the ship
Jingoists and Yellow Journalists demand war

7. America Declares War
After USS Maine investigation President McKinley declares war
Teller Amendment: declared that the US had no intentions of annexing/colonizing Cuba, just helping them gain independence

8. The Philippines
Filipinos were fighting for their freedom from Spain just like Cuba was
Under the control of Commodore Dewey, the American navy crushed a Spanish fleet in Manilo Bay in May
By August the Spanish had surrendered

9. Rough Riders Led by future president Teddy Roosevelt in Cuba
Unit consisted of rugged westerners and upper class easterners
Made famous after the battle of San Juan Hills

10. “Splendid Little War” Termed used by Secretary of States John Hay
Called it this because it only lasted for 4 months showing how easy it was for America
Only 380 die in battle
2,2000 die from disease (malaria)

11. Effects of the War What will US do with Spain’s former colonies?
Treaty of Paris: officially ended the war
Spain gave US all of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Guam
Sold Philippines to America for $20 million
Big debate of Philippines but US needed it for trade with China, a stepping stone
After war, America is a world power and model imperialists

12. Anti-Imperialism league
Formed over the debate of the Philippines
Included Mark Twain and William Jennings Bryan
Argued that imperialism was a crime and undemocratic because US did not treat colonists well
Challenged the Treaty of Paris