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Name ___________________________

Mr. Larsen Social Studies

During the era of colonization, Spain had created many colonies in the Americas
They gradually gave up possession of most of their colonies (Mexico and most of South America)
By 1825, Spain still controlled Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and several smaller islands in the Pacific (including Guam)

Cuba, one of the remaining colonies, had fought for their independence from Spain for decades
A Spanish general named Valeriano Weyler created Reconcentration camps in 1896

Moved the Cuban population into camps that were guarded by Spanish troops
200,000 died of starvation or disease

American sugar planters had purchased large tracts of land in Spain
The annual trade in sugar was around $100 mil.
Cuba’s war for independence had disrupted trade and destroyed sugar plantations
When President McKinley took office, he warned Spain that they must pursue peace with Cuba - or the U.S. would get involved

For years, U.S. newspapers had run attention grabbing headlines about Spain’s mistreatment of the Cuban people. These headlines attracted readers and buyers.

These journalists were called yellow journalists. The most well known were William Randolph Hearst, who published the New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer, who published the New York World.

The term “yellow journalism” was coined because both newspapers published comic strips with a cartoon character known as the “yellow kid.”

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Girl Kidnapped by Wild Beast!

Recent reports indicate that a local town resident, known only as “Belle,” has been kidnapped by a monstrous creature located outside town. Her father, Maurice, escaped the beast’s capture and his daughter was taken instead. Maurice described the man as, “hairy, with a enormous head, giant fangs and a monstrous roar.” Maurice did not suffer injuries during his time in captivity, however, he was clearly traumatized.

The girl has been in beast’s castle for the past three days. There have been no indications that she will be released anytime soon.

Resident hero, Gaston commented that, “the idea that she might escape town just to avoid me is preposterous! I’m the best man she’s ever had a chance to meet. I’m the strong and smartest man around! Anyways, what was the question?”

An investigation has revealed that the monstrous beast may be a former prince, however, those reports have not been confirmed. A group of concerned residents plan to seek out more information this weekend. There are talks of a possible rescue. If you would like to participate, bring your pitchfork or torch to town on Saturday evening.

Let’s try with an example story first. Read the story below and highlight where you see each of the three types of language. Follow along as Mr. Larsen Demonstrates under the document camera.

Historical Context - is informational or fact based text

Influencing Words - this is text that uses strong adjectives or descriptive words to generate emotions

Perspective - this is when differing points of view are presented in the same story

Name ___________________________

Mr. Larsen Social Studies

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Name ___________________________

Mr. Larsen Social Studies

February 15, 1898 - Havana, Cuba

A massive explosion sunk the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor
260 American crew members were killed
The ship had been stationed in the harbor to protect U.S. interests

When the Maine sank, Hearst and Pulitzer published headlines and stories that blamed the Spanish.

There was no evidence that the Spanish were the cause of the explosion. It was eventually found to be a fire that broke out in the coal storage on the ship.

Historical Context (highlight blue) - is informational or fact based text

Influencing Words (highlight yellow) - this is text that uses strong adjectives or descriptive words to generate emotions

Perspective (highlight green) - this is when differing points of view are presented in the same story

He is evidently waiting to write a full report. So long as he does not express himself, I certainly cannot. I should think from the indications, however, that there was an accident – that the magazine exploded. How that came about I do not know. For the present, at least, no other warship will be sent to Havana.”

Capt. Schuley, who has had experience with such large and complicated machines of war as the New York, did not entertain the idea that the ship had been destroyed by design (on purpose). He had found that with frequent and very careful inspection fire would sometimes be generated in the coal bunkers, and he told of such a fire on board of the New York close to the magazine, and so hot that the heat had blistered the steel partition between the fire and the ammunition before the bunkers and magazine were flooded. He was not prepared to believe that the Spanish or Cubans in Havana were supplied with either the information or the appliances necessary to enable them to make so complete a work of demolition, while the Maine was under guard…

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 – After a day of intense excitement at the Navy Department and elsewhere, growing out of the destruction of the battleship Maine in Havana Harbor last night, the situation at sundown… can be summed up in the words of Secretary Long. When asked as he was about to depart for the day whether he had reason to suspect that the disaster was the work of the enemy, replied: “I do not. In that I am influenced by the fact that Capt. Sigsbee has not yet reported to the Navy Department on the cause.

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Name ___________________________

Mr. Larsen Social Studies

George Bryson, the Journal’s special reporter at Havana, writes that it is the secret opinion of many people in Havana that the war ship Maine was destroyed by a mine and 258 men were killed on purpose by the Spanish. This is the opinion of several American naval authorities.

The Spaniards, it is believed, arranged to have the Maine drop anchor over a harbor mine. Wires connected the mine to the magazine of the ship. If this is true, the brutal nature of the Spaniards will be shown by the fact that they waited to explode the mine until all the men had gone to sleep.

Spanish officials are protesting too much that they did not do it. Our government has ordered an investigation. This newspaper has sent divers to Havana to report on the condition of the wreck. This newspaper is also offering a $50,000 reward for exclusive evidence that will convict whoever is responsible.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt says he is convinced that the destruction of the Maine in Havana Harbor was not an accident. The suspicion that the Maine was purposely blown up grows stronger every hour. Not a single fact to the contrary has been produced.

Historical Context (highlight blue) - is informational or fact based text

Influencing Words (highlight yellow) - this is text that uses strong adjectives or descriptive words to generate emotions

Perspective (highlight green) - this is when differing points of view are presented in the same story

What are your conclusions regarding the articles? Is either BIASED? Is either FAIR? Why?

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