2. Imperialism: a period of time when strong countries take over weak countries

3. The United States trades with Cuba Spain controls Cuba Cuba wants independence from Spain America promises to support Cuba’s independence in order to protect our business

4. 1898- President McKinley is hoping to avoid war Extreme journalists call for war (yellow journalism) – Joseph Pulitzer – William Randolph Hearst McKinley sends the USS Maine- a ship- to Cuba

5. On Feb 15, 1898- the USS Maine blew up! No one knows what caused the explosion Yellow Journalists blamed Spain They called for war! On April 20, 1898 the US declared war on Spain

6. USS Maine Explodes. Protect American business in Cuba. America supports Cuba’s independence from Spain. Yellow Journalists call for war.

7. War lasts from April to August 1898 Only 460 Americans die in battle 5,200 Americans die of disease Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt has the Navy battle Spanish ships in the Philippines and destroy Spanish fleet in the Pacific

8. Roosevelt volunteers as a Rough Rider The Rough Riders battle Spain in Puerto Rico Theodore Roosevelt becomes a national hero. The US Army defeats Spain at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Puerto Rico The United States wins the war in less than 5 months

9. Cuba gains their independence America becomes a world power Territories (US controls all 3): – Puerto Rico – Guam – The Philippines

10. After the Spanish American War, America was a world power We held territories in Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam After McKinley is shot in 1901, Roosevelt becomes president