ImperialismWhat is it?

Supporting Imperialism Opposing Imperialism

Spanish-American War

Spain controlled Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, and Guam.Cubans rebel against the Spanish. Spain puts many of the rebels in concentration camps. 1/8th of Cuba’s population (200,000) died of illness and starvation.

This concerned the U.S. for two reasons:

1. Many U.S. businesses had invested in Cuba

2. Cuba is only 90 miles from Florida.

“A splendid little war.”

Spanish-American WarPresident McKinley offered to buy Cuba, but Spain refused.

Yellow Journalism - exaggerating and sensationalizing news to achieve a goal.

Many people wanted a war.

Publisher William Randolph Hearst said “You give me pictures and I will give you a war.”

Publishers wrote about Spanish crimes and atrocities in Cuba.

Spanish-American War

Spanish-American WarOn February 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine was anchored near Havana when it exploded, killing 260.

U.S. claims it was a Spanish mine; Spain claims there were no mines. What did the “yellow press” say?

“Remember the Maine!”

Spanish-American WarWhen Spain refuses to leave Cuba, the U.S. declared war on April 25, 1898.

Last war was 34 years before (longest span between U.S. wars). U.S. is unprepared for the war:

- uniforms

- ammunition

- medical supplies

- food

Spanish-American WarBefore war was declared, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy decided to include the Philippines in the war.

While the Secretary was out, he ordered the U.S. fleet in Hong Kong (under Admiral George Dewey) to sail to Manila Bay.

Spanish-American WarOn May 1, 1898, the U.S. fleet attacked the weaker Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. The battle lasted one day.

The Spanish fleets surrendered and turned the Philippines over to the U.S.

Spanish-American WarIn Cuba, the main focus was the city of Santiago.

Both the U.S. and Spain send fleets to Santiago Bay. When the Spanish fleet arrives, the U.S. begins a blockade.

Spanish-American WarTheodore Roosevelt left the Navy to lead a cavalry regiment called the “Rough Riders”.

The “Rough Riders” helped the war by charging up and holding onto San Juan Hill (which overlooks Santiago),

Spanish-American WarThe U.S. fleet (under Admiral Sampson) trapped the Spanish fleet (under Admiral Cervera) in Santiago Bay.

Instead of surrendering, Cervera chose to run the blockade and is annihilated.

Spanish-American War

Spanish-American WarTwo weeks after the naval battle, Santiago surrendered.

The U.S. Navy then captured Puerto Rico.

Spanish-American WarOn August 29, 1898, both countries agree to an armistice.

Death toll: 5,462

Battle Deaths: 379

Deaths from disease: 5,083 (yellow fever, dysentery, malaria)

One of the shortest U.S. wars. (4 months)

One of the most decisive wars. (won all major battles)

Spanish-American WarOn December 10, 1898, Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the war.

Treaty gave U.S. control of Cuba, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Question: What do we do with these new lands?

Spanish-American War

Philippine Insurrection

Philippine Insurrection

Emilio Aguinaldo

Anti-Imperialism League

Mark Twain William Jennings BryanAndrew Carnegie

Anti-Imperialism League

Panama Canal

Roosevelt Corollary

“Speak softly and carry a big stick”

Roosevelt Corollary

Roosevelt Corollary

Guantanamo Bay