The Spanish-American War: Origins and Impact
The Spanish-American War was fueled by a combination of factors including economic struggles, imperial ambitions, and sensationalist journalism. Theodore Roosevelt's stance on war, coupled with the desire for Cuba's independence from Spain, led to a call for war in the late 1890s. Yellow journalism and propaganda played significant roles in shaping public opinion and the path to conflict. The war marked a turning point in America's foreign policy and had lasting implications both domestically and internationally.
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Definition: The policy in which strong nations extend their economic, political, or military control over weaker territories.
In the 1890s the U.S. economy was weak The "Gilded Age" had passed, leaving labor conflict, business corruption, racial violence, population surges, poverty, unemployment, and markets saturated with manufactured goods. America's great Western frontier had been settled. The destiny of the nation, long rooted in the spirit of exploration and expansion, suddenly seemed uncertain (Manifest Destiny) The United States economy needed foreign markets to sustain itself, the federal government was under pressure to secure its power and prestige in the world community, and Americans yearned to be reassured of their national prowess. A war was almost inevitable.
As Theodore Roosevelt told a friend in 1897, "I should welcome almost any war, for I think this country needs one."
Cuba was a colony of Spain Some Cubans sought freedom from Spain Independia or muerta ( Independence or death This was the opening for those who wanted war
Call to war! Numerous newspapers called for the U.S. to go to war with Spain for Cuba s independence Competing New York City newspapers printed outrageous stories about Spanish atrocities that were not true in an effort to sell more papers William Randolph Hurst New York Journal Joseph Pulitzer New York World Rumors of suffering, starvation, and thousands of deaths in Spanish detention camps inspired many to offer support to the Cuban cause. Americans held rallies, food drives, and fund-raisers for "Cuba Libre," and many petitioned the federal government to intervene What it managed to do was anger many Americans to the point that they were ready to go to war.
Yellow Journalism: A style of reporting in which writers often exaggerated or lied to attract readers. Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
Sold many papers Angered many Americans to the point that they were ready to go to war. Just needed a fuse to trigger a war.
Explosion aboard the Maine February 15, 1898, the Maine sank in Havana Harbor after an explosion, resulting in the deaths of 266 men Although no one is sure how the ship exploded, many Americans blamed it on Spain.
The exact cause of the explosion of the battleship Maine was unclear. The surviving captain of the ship reported no attack and no Spanish vessels in sight that evening. In fact, Captain Sigsbee and the other survivors had been rescued and cared for by Spanish crewmen aboard a civilian steamer.
"The Maine was sunk by an act of dirty treachery on the part of the Spaniards," Navy Secretary Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed the day following the explosion. Newspapers called for war Politicians called for war To obtain even more public support, a form of propaganda called jingoism was used
War declared in April, 1898
Causes of the War 1) The explosion of the Maine, which was blamed on Spain 2) The United States wanted to expand into Latin America and the Pacific 3) People in Cuba and Philippines rebelled against Spanish rule 4) Demands for involvement from American expansionists and newspapers
The War in Cuba U.S. quickly defeated Spain in Cuba American forces were led by a volunteer fighting force known as the Rough Riders The Rough Riders were heroes at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba
The Rough Riders The Rough Riders were a group of tough cowboys, miners and lawmen The Rough Riders were led by the former Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt
Signed by President McKinley Treaty of Paris ended the war America had become a world power
America in the Pacific The United States beat Spain and gains control of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and gains influence over Cuba
