3 of 9

The Little War that Changed a Nation

I. Cuba was controlled by Spain

a. Cuba had constantly rebelled for independence.

b. The Spanish were brutal in stopping rebellions

c. Many Cubans sought America’s assistance in forming a nation similar to America

II. Why does America Care?

a. Its close to our country

b. American businesses are there

c. We see it as an opportunity to maybe spread our power

4 of 9

Weyler’s �“Reconcentration” Policy

The Little War That Changed a Nation

II. Yellow Journalism-Exaggerating the news to lure and engage readers.

A. William Randolph Hearst-New York Journal

B. Joseph Pullitzer-New York World

1. Are in a battle to sell papers

2. they are going to constantly push America toward war, swaying American minds with exaggerated stories.

C. Once the Maine blows up, they will focus not on what happened, but revenge

U.S.S. Maine-A Naval Vessel

Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, �Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898

USS Maine

The start of the Spanish American War is one of 4 wars over the next 104 years that will start under questionable circumstances. Some wars have simple and obvious circumstances. Some are riddled with conspiracy and questions. You will be investigating and drawing your own conclusions on the beginning of the Spanish American War, America’s first questionable war.
Newspaper-You are looking at the possible options for who blew up the Maine. Imagine you solved the case. It could be as if you solved it 120 years later. Or you figured it out in 1898. Then you are making a newpaper front page. (A title, usually a picture, an article or two), In the article you are solving the mystery, explaining how or why it happened, adding your own perspective, should we have gone to war based on your findings? . You can use a yellow journalism style if you want. (yes we do not know what truly happened)