AMERICA BECOMES A GLOBAL POWER

(1867-1919)

Should the United States intervene in the affairs of

another country?

I can describe the causes and effects of the Spanish American War.

Learning Target

Cubans Rebel Against Spain

Beginning in 1868, Cubans launched a series of unsuccessful revolts against Spain.

Spain responded by exiling the revolutionary leaders, including Jose Marti who continued to agitate for independence from New York.

The 2nd War for Independence

In February 1895, Jose Marti returned to Cuba to lead a second struggle for independence. Deliberately destroyed

property, especially American-owned mills & plantations.

Hoped to provoke American intervention.

Died in the struggle, becoming an instant hero.

The Spanish Response

Spanish general Valeriano Weyler tried to crush the rebellion by moving the Cuban population into concentration camps. 300,000 Cubans were

moved & thousands died from hunger & disease.

Convinced many Americans to support the rebel cause.

War Fever Escalates

Weyler’s actions fueled a headline war between William Randolph Hearst & Joseph Pulitzer. They printed exaggerated

accounts of events that came to be known as yellow journalism.

Hearst is quoted as saying, “You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war!”

War Fever Escalates

A letter written by Spanish minister Enrique Dupoy de Lome that ridiculed President McKinley was published in the New York Times.

Days later, the battleship USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, killing 260 American soldiers. Although there was no proof, the explosion was

blamed the Spanish & Hearst offered a $50,000 reward for the capture of the man responsible.

The US formally declared war in April 1898.

Remember the Maine!

Bill of Fare

The War in the Philippines

The first battle of the Spanish American War took place in the Philippines. Within hours,

Commodore George Dewey had destroyed every Spanish ship.

Two months later, Spain surrendered the islands.

The War in Cuba

The US War Department was unprepared for war in Cuba.

The American strategy was to control the port city of Santiago.

Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders helped gain control of the city at the Battle of San Juan Hill.

The US Navy sank the entire Spanish fleet off the coast of Cuba.

The Battle of San Juan Hill

Results of the War

Spain gave up all claims to Cuba.

The United States gained territory in Puerto Rico & Guam.

Spain turned over the Philippines for $20 million.

Territorial gains strengthened the military & economic position of the United States.

A Quiet Little Game