1. The Spanish American War
Chapter 4 Section 2

2. - Big Idea – The Spanish American War
Stories of horrible actions committed by the Spaniards were reaching the U.S. daily. Fearing an attack against American citizens, President McKinley sent the Battleship U.S.S. Maine to Havana Harbor in Cuba to evacuate U.S. citizens. The U.S.S. Maine exploded, and the Spanish were blamed for the attack. Shortly after, U.S. declared war on Spain.

3. The Coming of War Cuba was a Spains oldest colony
Cuba produced sugar (1/3 worlds supply) & 1/3 of Cubans were enslaved
1868 Cuban rebels fought for independence from Spain – lasted 10 yrs
Americans looked at Spain as tyrants

4. - Cuban Rebellion – (1868)
Jose Marti – writer & poet - led Cuban rebels to declare independence
Helped launch guerrilla warfare against Span. Auth. By training people – raise funds for weapons
Able to seize control of Eastern Cuba

5. - U.S. Cuba Ties – (1890) Closely Linked Economically
Cuba = Sugar to U.S.
U.S. = Invested $$50 Million in Railroads, Mines, & Sugar plantations
These ties created a huge crisis between the U.S. & Cuba
Sugar tariffs – wrecked sale of sugar to U.S. - Economy devastated

6. Americans Support Cubans
U.S. govt wanted to remain neutral
U.S. Public began to support Cubans because of the stories in newspapers
William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer (newspaper owners) competed w/ each other to sell papers

7. Yellow Journalism
William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer (newspaper owners)
Made up stories to sell papers and attract readers
“Spanish feeding Cubans to Sharks and Dogs”

8. More Revolts & Spain Responds
General Weyler (Spain)– (El Carnicero)
Spain dispatched 200,000 troops to put down rebellion
Villagers were placed in concentration camps
People in U.S. want govt to go to war
Pres. McKinley did not want to get involved

9. U.S.S. Maine USS Maine Sent to protect American Citizens
Ship Blew up in harbor – 266 died
Spain blamed for sinking
Within weeks, Spain and U.S. at war.
“Remember the Maine and to Hell with Spain”!!

10. War on Two Fronts
U.S. Fought Spain in Cuba & Philippines

11. War in the Philippines
U.S. ships in Hong Kong sent to attack Spain in Philippines
Com. George Dewey
May 1, 1898 opened fire on Spanish ships
Defeated Spain quickly

12. War in Cuba Different than war in the Philippines
U.S. had Trouble getting troops ready
Poor conditions
By end of war more died in camp than in battle

13. War in Cuba Cont… June 14, 1898 – 17,000 troops landed in Cuba
Among them were the “Rough Riders” (cowboys, miners, law officers)
Led by Col. Wood & Theodore Roosevelt
Helped capture San Juan Hill

14. War in Cuba cont…
Spanish Com. Santiago panicked - Ordered his ships to flee
U.S. Ships waiting outside of harbor
U.S. sank every ship
Santiago Surrendered 2 weeks later

15. American Empire Born From this war U.S. gained: Guam Puerto Rico
Philippines
Cuba

16. What treaty, act or amendment went with each territory
In your textbook p , list what treaty, act or amendment went with each territory. Also list the requirements for each:
Treaty of Paris Cuba, Guam,
Foraker Act Puerto Rico
Platt Amendment Philippines

17. Cuba & the Platt Amendment
1. Cuba couldn’t make a treaty with any country
Cuba had to allow U.S. to lease a naval stations
Cuba debts had to be kept low
U.S. had the right to intervene in Cuba to keep order

18. Questions???