1. Spanish-American War, 1898 Libertyville HS

2. The Situation in Cuba Cuba is Spain’s last colony in the Western Hemisphere Spain’s rule was harsh (200k Cubans dead) US interests –Heavy investment in sugar ($50 million) –Strategic location of island –Empathy for Cuban people

3. Factors Leading to War Yellow Journalism –Greatly exaggerated stories used to sell newspapers –Joseph Pulitzer & the New York World –William Randolph Hearst & the New York Morning Journal –Public gets very lopsided view of situation

4. Factors Leading to War The de Lome Letter –Spanish Ambassador to US –Writes private letter about McKinley –Letter is stolen, published –Americans angry! Sinking of the Maine, 2/15/98 –Battleship sent to protect US citizens –Maine story –160 sailors killed

5. War Declared! Spain willing to work for peace McKinley caved to public, congressional pressure Declaration of War –US claimed to be backing up Cuban people –Teller Amendment: not intent of US to annex Cuba

6. “A Splendid Little War” Admiral Dewey (Pacific) –Sail to Philippines, defeat Spanish Combat in Cuba –TR and the “Rough Riders” –Storming of San Juan Hill –400 deaths in battle, 2500 of disease

7. Treaty of Paris (1898) Spain gives up Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, Wake Islands to US US pays Spain $20 million Significance, for US –US gets an empire! –US gets bases in Pacific –European powers recognize US’ rise

8. America, the Empire US annex Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico –Cuba: US forced Platt Amendment on Cubans US controlled FP Permanent US military base Pro US govt’s for next 60 years –Philippines: rebellion vs. US 4000 KIA vs 16k rebels & 200k civilians Independence only after WWII ends

9. America, the Empire Puerto Rico –Military rule for 1.5 years –Foraker Act Est. Civilian gov’t w/ US president appointing governor, exec council PRs elected legislature –1952: PR became a commonwealth