Introduction to �Spanish-American War

“A Splendid Little War” John Hay, Secretary of State, 1898

Background:

Who?

• Spain vs. America

Where?

• Philippines, Cuba (Spain’s Colonies)

Background:

The Philippines

Cuba

USA

Why?

Help free Spain’s colonies and to take them!

Spain’s Policy

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

What?

Why?

• Civilians were forced into government run camps (with bad slave-labor conditions)
• Conditions in Cuba were really bad. Cuban rebels were fighting for independence.

• Made Spain looked like the bad guys in American eyes!

How did it lead to war?

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 Cuba out and gain more territory or important shipping ports for the U.S. Navy.

How did it lead to war?

“Yellow Journalists”

• Make more $$$ if reports keep you scared, interested, or telling sensational stories.

What?

Why?

• Newspaper created highly exaggerated stories.

• Made Americans were angry about the abuses going on in Cuba and Americans wanted to do something to stop it…maybe war???

How did it lead to war?

“Yellow Journalism”

February 26, 2001

“You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war”

-William Randolph Hearst

Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor

What?

• USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba 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

Slide Analysis: Headline of the Maine Explosion

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

Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

Which of these do you think was most responsible for the nation going to war?

Manila Bay

What Happened at Manila Bay?

• Commodore George Dewey commander of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific fleet went of a major offensive attack.
• Surprise naval attack sunk the crumbling Spanish Navy in a matter of 6 hours.

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• Americans feel very superior and confident it could defeat the Spanish.

Rough Riders

Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?

• Teddy Roosevelt resigns as Asst. Secretary of the Navy to lead a “Cowboy Cavalry”

Teddy’s popularity from this leads to his becoming Vice President and eventually President.

• College Athletes, miners, cowboys, Native Americans, African Americans, ranchers, and adventures

Rough Riders

What famous Battle did they participate in?

• Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba.

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• July 1, 1898

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• They had no horses, so they charged the hill on foot and controlled the ridge by nightfall.

• African Americans also helped but get no credit

Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders

Results

• US defeats Spain & becomes a world power.
• U.S. losses 5,400 soldiers, 400 in battle and the rest died from Yellow Fever. Spanish losses near 10,000.

• 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, and Cuba).

Teller Amendment and Platt Amendment

In April 1898 Senator Henry M. Teller (Colorado) proposed an amendment to the U.S. declaration of war against Spain which proclaimed that the United States would not establish permanent control over Cuba. It stated that the United States "hereby disclaims any disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people." The Senate passed the amendment on April 19. True to the letter of the Teller Amendment, after Spanish troops left the island in 1898, the United States occupied Cuba until 1902. The Teller Amendment was succeeded by the Platt Amendment introduced by Senator Orville Platt (R-Connecticut) in February 1901. It allowed the United States "the right to intervene for the preservation of Cuban independence, the maintenance of a government adequate for the protection of life, property, and individual liberty..." The Platt Amendment was finally suspended on May 29, 1934.

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Thinking Slide

Do you think the war was a good idea?

U.S.A gets the following from Imperialism…

• Cuba
• Philippines – for $20 million.
• Samoa
• Puerto Rico
• Hawaii
• Trading Rights/Port Rights in China = Open Door Policy
• U.S. finishes building Panama Canal and retains control over it.
• Roosevelt Corollary established greater U.S. role in Latin America…”U.S. would be the international police or Latin America” “Speak softly and carry a Big Stick”