1. The Spanish-American War

2. Objectives
Describe how Americans reacted to the revolt in Cuba.
Identify the reasons the United States declared war on Spain.
Explain how the Spanish-American War led to the creation of an American overseas empire.

3. Terms and People
reconcentration – the forced movement of large numbers of people into detention camps for military or political reasons
José Martí – Cuban poet and advocate for Cuban independence
William Randolph Hearst – newspaper owner who ran sensational stories about Cuba in the New York Journal

4. Terms and People (continued)
Emilio Aguinaldo – leader of Filipino rebels who helped the United States seize Manila and later fought the United States for Filipino independence
protectorate – an independent country whose policies are controlled by an outside power

5. What were the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War?
At the close of the nineteenth century, America was drifting toward war with Spain.
The United States would emerge as a world power with interests around the globe.

6. In 1895, Cubans rose up against Spain’s harsh rule.
Cuba lies 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Prior to 1895, Cuba was ruled by Spain.
In 1895, Cubans rose up against Spain’s harsh rule.
Spain forced many Cubans into detention camps, a process called reconcentration.
Two hundred thousand Cubans died in camps due to lack of food and poor sanitation.

7. Many Americans were sympathetic to the Cuban rebels.
Cuban poet José Martí led Cuban exiles in urging the U.S. to help the rebels.
William Randolph Hearst ran sensational stories about Cuba in the New York Journal.
President Cleveland, and later President McKinley, tried to maintain neutrality.

8. Many Americans wanted to protect America’s $50 million investment in Cuba.
This investment included sugar and rice plantations, railroads, and iron mines.
When fighting broke out in Havana in 1898, President McKinley sent in the battleship Maine.

9. On February 15, 1898, a great explosion sank the Maine, killing 260 Americans.
Most Americans blamed Spain.
War fever swept the United States.
On April 20, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain.

10. The first great battle of the war took place in the Philippines, far from Cuba.
On May 1, the U.S. Navy sank the entire Spanish squadron at Manila Bay.
Rebel leader Emilio Aguinaldo then helped U.S. troops seize Manila.
The United States controlled the Philippine Islands.

11. The war’s focus next shifted to Cuba
The war’s focus next shifted to Cuba. Americans were ill-prepared but eager to fight.
San Juan Hill
On July 1, Theodore Roosevelt led his unit, the Rough Riders, on a charge up San Juan Hill.
Their victory was the most celebrated event of the war.

12. The two fronts in the Spanish-American War were on opposite sides of the world.

13. Americans took control of Puerto Rico, another Spanish possession.
A series of U.S. victories led to the end of the war.
U.S. ships trapped and destroyed the Spanish fleet in Cuba.
Spain surrendered Cuba to the United States.
Americans took control of Puerto Rico, another Spanish possession.
In December 1898, Spain and the United States signed a peace treaty, ending the war.

14. 1898 Peace Treaty
Spain
The United States
Granted Cuban independence.
Paid Spain $20 million.
Gave the United States Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the islands of Guam and Wake.

15. Against the Treaty For the Treaty
Americans were divided over the treaty with Spain.
Against the Treaty
For the Treaty
Taking colonies violates the right to self-government and raises the risk of war.
The treaty gives the United States important bases. We have a duty to spread democracy.
The Senate ratified the treaty on February 6, 1899.

16. The United States replaced Spain as the leading Caribbean power.
Cuba did not gain true independence.
In 1902, the Platt Amendment gave the United States power to intervene in Cuban affairs.
Cuba became a U.S. protectorate.
One Cuban wrote that Cuba was “as free as a dog on a leash.”

17. Puerto Rico The Philippines
The United States faced different challenges in Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Puerto Rico
The Philippines
The Foraker Act of 1900 gave Puerto Ricans limited rule.
Emilio Aguinaldo led a fight for independence, but was captured in 1901.
Puerto Ricans became U.S. citizens in 1917.
The United States remained in control until 1946.