1. The Spanish-American War Modern American History

2. Cuba Cuba is controlled by Spain but attempting revolution

3. The United States Civil War is over and life is good America objects to Spain controlling Cuba –Similar to England controlling America America has economic interests in Cuba

4. Revolution and Yellow Journalism Cubans begin a revolution against the Spanish The press begins exaggerating and even making up stories to attract readers –William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer

5. Remember The Maine! America sends the battleship U.S.S. Maine to Cuba February 15, 1898 – The Maine explodes under mysterious circumstances Yellow Journalists, with no real proof, call it a mine and demand America go to war against Spain –Different expeditions to the Maine have said it could have been a mine or an explosion from within the ship April 24 – Spain declares war on the U.S.

6. Fair or Bias? All the reports are not one-sided But some are... (Joseph Pulitzer’s New York World)But some are...

7. Two for the price of one – War on Two Fronts More Americans die from disease than any other cause Manila (The Philippines) – America destroys the Spanish fleet Cuba – America sends thousands of volunteers –One group of volunteers known as the Roughriders –Their second in command- Future President Teddy Roosevelt –Their charge up Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill forces Spanish to the sea where they are soon destroyed

8. So Now What? U.S. now (1898) controls Cuba and Philippines Cuba given their independence BUT WHAT TO DO WITH THE PHILIPPINES?

9. What do we do with the Philippines Give them back to the Spanish? Give them to another European nation? Keep them for ourselves? Give them their independence? What would you do?

10. What do we do with the Philippines Give them back to the Spanish? –Would make them feel better –Seems counter-productive, doesn’t it? Give them to another European nation? –Would strengthen an alliance –What did they do to deserve it? Keep them for ourselves? –Permanent economic and military partners –We fought the Spanish to free Cuba. Counter-productive? Give them their independence? –We did it for Cuba –Are they strong enough to handle independence?

11. The Winner is… America chooses to keep the Philippines A small revolution attempted in 1899 results in little Controlling the Philippines results in America becoming an Empire (a nation that controls another) Americans believe they are bringing civilization to the “savages” while solidifying their economy Opponents believe America has become something they fought against The Philippines will be granted their independence in 1946