Introduction to Spanish-American War

April – August 1898

“A Splendid Little War” John Hay, Secretary of State,

1898

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Background:

Who?

•Spain vs. America

Where?

•Philippines, Guam, Cuba Puerto Rico (Spanish Colonies)

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Background:

The Philippines

CubaUSA

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American Background:

Monroe Doctrine:•Created in 1823 by Sec. of State John Q. Adams

•U.S. would not tolerate a European nation colonizing an independent nation in North or South America. Any such intervention in the western hemisphere would be considered a hostile act.

• Term coined to newspaper editor John O’Sullivan in 1845

• Described 19th C mindset of western expansion – it was destiny…

Manifest Destiny:

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Why?

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Spain’s “Reconcentration” Policy

• Spain was fighting a guerilla war and needed to separate “good” from “bad” Cubans

What?

Why?

• Civilians were forced into government run camps

• Made Spain look poorly in American eyes

• “Jingoism” – fierce pride and desire for aggressive foreign policy.

How did it lead to war?

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American Economic Interests

• Protecting their economic interests

What?

Why?

•Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were owned by Americans

•Made Americans more likely to help out Cuba

How did it lead to war?

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“Yellow Journalists”

•Make more $ if they keep you scared and interested

What?

Why?

•Newspaper created highly sensationalized stories

•Made Americans want war!

How did it lead to war?

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“Yellow Journalism”

“You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war .” William Randolph Hearst

Frederic Remington’s

Disrobing Propaganda

Remington depicted Spanish customs officials as brutally disrobing and searching an American woman (In reality, female attendants did the duty).

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“Judge” Cartoon

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Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor

What?

• Feb 15th USS Maine explodes in Havana Harbor.

•“Spark” that started the war

•“Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”

How did it lead to war?

• Most Americans believe it was Spain’s fault • 1976 US Navy analyzed the sunken ship, decided that the hull blew OUT not IN.

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Source Analysis:Headline of the Maine Explosion

Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo?2/17/1898 New York World

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Manila Bay

What Happened at Manila Bay?

•May 1st Surprise naval attack sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy•Made Americans feel very superior

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President William McKinley “civilizing” a Filipino.

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Rough Riders

Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?

•Teddy Roosevelt resigns as Asst Secy of the Navy to lead a “Cowboy Calvary”

•Brought his own photographer

•Teddy’s popularity from this leads to his becoming V.P. and President

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Rough Riders

What famous Battle did they participate in?

• July 1st 1898 San Juan Hill

•African Americans also help but get no credit.

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Teddy Roosevelt

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Results•US defeats Spain (Treaty of Paris, Dec 1898) & becomes a world power

•Monroe Doctrine upheld

•Teddy Roosevelt elected Vice President in 1900 and becomes President in 1901 when McKinley is shot

•US must decide what to do about Spain’s former colonies (Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam and Cuba)

•Imperialist (Annex) or Anti-Imperialist (“unincorporated territories”)

•Senate ratifies in Feb 1899 (1 vote)

Discussion Questions fortheSpanish-American War

“A Splendid Little War” John Hay, Secretary of State,

1898

Do you think it is possible for a strong country to trade with a weaker country without controlling it?What responsibility does

the press have in terms of how it reports news stories? How do short term benefits of sensationalized headlines impact the paper? What are long term benefits of telling the truth?

Is there any such thing as a “splendid little war?” Who usually suffers the most in a war and who has to bear the long term effects?

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Debate Question:

The Spanish American War was a critical event in establishing the United States as an Imperial Power at the start of the 20th Century.

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“The White Man’s Burden” – Judge 1890s