Spanish-American War, 1898

Libertyville HS

The Situation in Cuba• Cuba is Spain’s last

colony in the Western Hemisphere

• Spain’s rule was harsh (200k Cubans dead)

• US interests– Heavy investment in

sugar ($50 million)– Strategic location of

island– Empathy for Cuban

people

Factors Leading to War• Yellow Journalism

– Greatly exaggerated stories used to sell newspapers

– Joseph Pulitzer & the New York World

– William Randolph Hearst & the New York Morning Journal

– Public gets very lopsided view of situation

Factors Leading to War• The de Lome Letter

– Spanish Ambassador to US

– Writes private letter about McKinley

– Letter is stolen, published– Americans angry!

• Sinking of the Maine, 2/15/98– Battleship sent to protect

US citizens– Maine story– 160 sailors killed

War Declared!• Spain willing to work for

peace• McKinley caved to

public, congressional pressure

• Declaration of War– US claimed to be backing

up Cuban people– Teller Amendment: not

intent of US to annex Cuba

“A Splendid Little War”

• Admiral Dewey (Pacific)– Sail to Philippines,

defeat Spanish

• Combat in Cuba– TR and the “Rough

Riders”– Storming of San

Juan Hill– 400 deaths in battle,

2500 of disease

Treaty of Paris (1898)• Spain gives up Cuba,

Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, Wake Islands to US

• US pays Spain $20 million

• Significance, for US– US gets an empire!– US gets bases in Pacific– European powers

recognize US’ rise

America, the Empire• US annex Cuba,

Philippines, Puerto Rico– Cuba: US forced Platt

Amendment on Cubans• US controlled FP• Permanent US military base• Pro US govt’s for next 60

years

– Philippines: rebellion vs. US • 4000 KIA vs 16k rebels &

200k civilians• Independence only after

WWII ends

America, the Empire

• Puerto Rico– Military rule for 1.5

years– Foraker Act

• Est. Civilian gov’t w/ US president appointing governor, exec council

• PRs elected legislature

– 1952: PR became a commonwealth