The Spanish American War Causes of the Spanish

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The Spanish American War

The Spanish American War

Causes of the Spanish American War • 1. Cuban Revolution – Cuba was a

Causes of the Spanish American War • 1. Cuban Revolution – Cuba was a Spanish colony that fought for independence – The Spanish government dealt harshly with Cuban rebels – Many Americans felt Cuban independence mirrored the American Revolution

Causes of the Spanish American War • 2. Markets overseas – American businesses had

Causes of the Spanish American War • 2. Markets overseas – American businesses had over 50 million dollars invested in Cuban mines, railroads, and sugar plantations – Instability in Cuba threatened American businesses

Causes of the Spanish American War • 3. Yellow Journalism – Yellow Journalism—biased, sensationalist,

Causes of the Spanish American War • 3. Yellow Journalism – Yellow Journalism—biased, sensationalist, or false reporting (propaganda) • American newspapers often exaggerated stories of Spanish atrocities in order to sell more newspapers • These stories made Americans more in favor of war

Causes of the Spanish American War • 4. Explosion of the U. S. S.

Causes of the Spanish American War • 4. Explosion of the U. S. S. Maine • President William Mc. Kinley sent a naval ship, the U. S. S. Maine, to peacefully investigate • At Cuba, the U. S. S. Maine exploded, killing over 250 sailors

“Remember the Maine!” • Americans, fueled by yellow journalism, blamed Spain (without proof) and

“Remember the Maine!” • Americans, fueled by yellow journalism, blamed Spain (without proof) and called for war • Yellow Journalism and the U. S. S. Maine

War Declared • The United States Declares War: • Jingoism—intense nationalism that pushes for

War Declared • The United States Declares War: • Jingoism—intense nationalism that pushes for an aggressive foreign policy • Americans were filled with jingoism and Congress declared war on Spain

An Imperialist War? • Many feared an imperialist war with a goal of taking

An Imperialist War? • Many feared an imperialist war with a goal of taking over Cuba • Teller Amendment— Congress declared that Cuba would be independent after the war

The Spanish-American War Front: The Philippines Details: Spain had much of its navy at

The Spanish-American War Front: The Philippines Details: Spain had much of its navy at another colony, the Philippines • America’s newly upgraded steel navy, stationed nearby, attacked this Spanish fleet • The United States quickly defeated the Spanish fleet • A land invasion, helped by Filipino rebels, soon secured the Philippines under American control • •

The Spanish American War Front: Cuba Details: Rampant disease made most land fighting a

The Spanish American War Front: Cuba Details: Rampant disease made most land fighting a stalemate, meaning the war would be determined by sea battle • The Spanish navy in Cuba hid in Santiago Harbor, guarded by artillery in the town, Santiago • •

The “Rough Riders” • Rough Riders—this cavalry unit was made up of cowboys, miners,

The “Rough Riders” • Rough Riders—this cavalry unit was made up of cowboys, miners, law officers, etc. and organized by Theodore Roosevelt

Fighting in Cuba • Led by Roosevelt, the Rough Riders and multiple black regiments

Fighting in Cuba • Led by Roosevelt, the Rough Riders and multiple black regiments fought their way on land in toward Santiago • The Rough Riders

Spanish Surrender • The Spanish fleet fled Santiago Harbor toward the ocean, where it

Spanish Surrender • The Spanish fleet fled Santiago Harbor toward the ocean, where it was destroyed by American naval forces • The War Ends

The War Ends • Spain, with its navy in the Philippines and Cuba destroyed,

The War Ends • Spain, with its navy in the Philippines and Cuba destroyed, surrendered