Word of the Day Yellow Journalism that is

Word of the Day: Yellow Journalism that is based upon SENSATIONALISM and crude exaggeration. Warm Up: How does this image show U. S. Imperialism? What were reasons that the U. S. Imperialized?

Connection: Consider this question: When is it appropriate for the United States to send soldiers to fight and face death on foreign soil? Do you support any of the reasons listed below? • To assist an ally of the United State • To protect territory that is close to U. S. border • To stop human rights abuses • To acquire resources • To gain power • To acquire territory • To improve national security • To spread or protect American values • To fight against tyrannical governments

TURN 2 TALK: CULTURAL SUPERIORITY/WHITE MAN’S BURDEN “…there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them, and by God’s grace do the very best we could by them…” -Pres. Mc. Kinley 1903

Empires Across the World in the 1700 s

America Builds an Empire: Spanish American War (1898) Origins of the Spanish-American War Spain Cuba By 1890, Spain’s ∙ Most Cubans worked on sugar plantations. overseas empire ∙ 1890: US raised tariffs on foreign sugar imports was reduced to: which led to unemployment in Cuba. - Cuba ∙ Jose Marti and rebels declare independence from Spain - Philippines - Puerto Rico ∙ Spain Responds by sending in the army to crush the rebellion with brutal methods How does this affect the United States? Jose Marti

What are some issues that might lead the Cubans to rebel against their overseas King? Sound familiar? (Think American Revolution…)

HOW AND WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES GET INVOLVED? 1. YELLOW JOURNALISM Sensational style of writing, which exaggerates the news to lure and enrage readers Hearst (New York Journal) and Pulitzer (New York World) printed exaggerated accounts to deepen American sympathy for the rebels Does the media still attempt this style of news to lure and enrage readers?

HOW AND WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES GET INVOLVED? Why would criticism of the president lead to war? 2. The De Lome Letter Private letter of Spanish minister to the US, published in New York World. Openly criticized President Mc. Kinley calling him “weak” Fueled anti-Spanish feelings in America.

HOW AND WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES GET INVOLVED? 3. Sinking of the USS Did the Spanish sink our Maine USS Maine is sent to Cuba to protect the lives and property of Americans. While in the Havana harbor, it explodes and kills 258 sailors. battleship? Although the cause was unknown, Hearst and Pulitzer newspapers blame the Spanish!

HOW DID HEARST AND PULITZER “SENSATIONALIZE” THIS EVENT?

Acting As an Amateur Historian: In this climate of public opinion, President Mc. Kinley felt he had no choice but to ask Congress for permission to intervene in Cuba. Did Mc. Kinley initially want war? “Our acts hitherto have been an unselfish desire for peace and prosperity in Cuba. The forced intervention of the United States as a neutral to stop the war may be briefly summarized as follows: First, in the cause of humanity to put an end to the barbarities, bloodshed, and miseries now existing there… it is our duty, for it is right at our door. Second, we owe it to our citizens in Cuba… to terminate the conditions that deprive them of legal protection. Third, the right to intervene may be justified by the present condition of affairs in Cuba, is a constant menace to our peace- all these and others that I need not mention, with the resulting strained relations, are a constant menace to our peace and compel us to keep a semi- war footing with a nation with which we were at peace. ” Explain how you would have voted as a member of Congress in 1898. Roosevelt, bored with his desk job as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, was ready for WAR.

War! The war was fought on two fronts: the Pacific and the Caribbean The Pacific Front: US Pacific fleet sailed to the Philippines to aid Filipino rebels already in revolt against Spain. The Navy defeated a squadron of Spanish ships in Manila Bay. President Mc. Kinley was, at first, unaware of the Navy’s quick success against the Spanish, which is why he also sent in ground troops

War! The war was fought on two fronts: the Pacific and the Caribbean The Caribbean Front: Theodore Roosevelt raised a volunteer force the “Rough Riders. ” Acting with other army regiments, they defeated the Spanish at San Juan Hill in Cuba. Out of all the troops that died in the Spanish-American War, only about 400 died from battle, the other 2, 000 died from Yellow Fever & Malaria, diseases carried by mosquitos

Who were these “other Army regiments? ” The “Buffalo Soldiers” were African-American troops which made up the majority of the troops sent down to Cuba to fight in the Spanish-American War

The Spanish were defeated in four months “A splendid little war. ” –Secretary of State, John Hay Aftermath: The Spanish American War as a Turning Point 1. U. S. was left in occupation of the Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam a. New territories = EXPANSION OF TRADE 2. Turning Point a. END of Spain’s colonial EMPIRE 3. U. S. emerged as a NEW WORLD POWER a. Demonstrated its naval strength TREATY OF PARIS 1898 b. LEADING INDUSTRIAL POWER 4. Leads to this questions: What should the U. S. do with the former Spanish colonies?

Process/Connection 3 -2 -1 • 3 – things you learned • 2 – things you found interesting • 1 – question you still have