The Spanish-American WarCauses and Effects of the First American Conflict of the 20th Century

Cubans War for Independence

Cubans, recognizing the weakening of the Spanish government, begins rebelling for their own independence.

Supported by many Americans invested in Cuba as a new trading partner, Jose Marti leads a civil war.

Yellow Journalism Adds to the Cause

American newspapermen, Joseph Pulitzer and W.R. Hearst “sensationalize” stories about the Cuban.

Known as “yellow journalism,” the press creates sympathy for Cuban efforts.

The main purpose of yellow journalism is to sell newspapers, but it also stoked the fires of war.

U.S.S. Maine Sent to Cuba The U.S. warns Spain to end this rebellion

quickly. Due to the outcry brought on by the yellow

journalism, President McKinley sends the U.S.S. Maine to Havana harbor to protect American citizens in Cuba.

Spanish Ambassador Insults U.S.

The Spanish Ambassador to the U.S., Enrique Dupuy de Lome, writes a letter calling McKinley weak and stupid.

Hearst publishes the letter, calling it the “Worst Insult to the U.S. in it’s History.”

American nationalism is enflamed.

U.S.S. Maine Explodes The U.S.S. Maine in

Havana blows up after coming in contact with a mine, killing 266 navy men.

With newspapers fueling the flames of war with the cry “Remember the Maine,” McKinley asks Congress to go to war.

WAR in the Philippines!

In the Philippine Islands, Commodore George Dewey launches a surprise attack against the once formidable Spanish Navy, wiping them out with zero American casualties.

In another fight against imperialism, Philippino’s led a successful ground attack against the Spanish.

WAR in Cuba! Unlike the Philippines, the

ground war in Cuba did not come as easily.

U.S. troops were not well trained, used obsolete weapons, and wore heavy wool uniforms.

Many men became sick from rotted food and contaminated meat.

Rough Riders Take to the Ground

A new regiment made up of mostly westerners who were prepared for difficult conditions.

Led by Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders take Kettle and San Juan Hills to secure the high ground.

After a failed attempt by the Spanish fleet to escape, the Spanish sought to surrender.

End of the “Splendid Little War” The U.S. and Spain end the war by

signing the Treaty of Paris. Part of the treaty was that Spain

would surrender Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the opportunity to buy the Philippines.

America gave control of Cuba back to the Cubans, but did take control of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam.