1. Review: The Spanish- American War

2. Spain in North America Cuba – a Spanish colony since 1492 Cuban nationalists rebel in 1895 Question for US: what to do?

3. Spanish Oppression (?) Spain sends Valeriano Weyler to put down rebellion Reconcentration camps – isolate Cuban nationalists; harsh conditions Americans sympathetic to Cuban nationalists “Weyler the Butcher”

4. The de Lome Letter Published February 9, 1898 in the New York Journal Calls McKinley “weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd” Angers Americans

5. Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain! US battleship Sinks in Havana harbor, February 15, 1898 261 sailors die Cause later determined to be an internal explosion Americans blame Spain

6. So why do Americans care? Yellow journalism – exaggerated or sensationalized reporting Driven by competition for more readers Examples: New York Journal, New York World Publish aggressive, patriotic stories promoting war with Spain

8. The Spanish-American War “Splendid little war” – lasts about 14 weeks Two theatres – Cuba: US invades and wins – Philippines: US Navy defeats Spain Ends with Treaty of Paris

9. The Treaty of Paris Spain leaves Cuba alone; Cuba becomes “independent” US gets Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam Debate in US over what to do with Philippines

10. Why did the US go to war? De Lome letter Sinking of the Maine Yellow journalism Desire to expand – imperialism