What Really Caused the Spanish-American War?

The Documents

Document A: Map of Cuba

Document B: Exports and Imports

Document C: Conditions in Cuba

Document D: Telegram

Document E: USS Maine

Document F: New York Journal Headline

Hook Exercise: American Imperialism

1. Who is the man in the cartoon? 2. What country does he represent? 3. What is he doing? 4. What is his next target? 5. Why this particular target?

Background Essay Questions 1. By the late 1800s, Spain controlled only 2 colonies in the Americas. Name them. 2. Why were Americans sympathetic to the Cubans? 3. What American industry flourished as a result of the Cuban conflict? 4. Why was the USS Maine sent to Cuba? What was the outcome? 5. What is yellow journalism? 6. Where, besides Cuba, did the United States fight Spain? 7. What were the terms of the Treaty of Paris? 8. How did the United States benefit from the Spanish-American War?

Document A Source: Map of Cuba

1. Describe Cuba’s location in relation to the United States. 2. What advantages would Spain have in maintaining control of Cuba? 3. What advantages would the United States have in gaining control of Cuba? 4. What advantages would Cuba have if they became independent? 5. Why is Cuba’s location strategic to the area?

Document B

Source: United States in War with Spain and the History of Cuba by Trumbull White

Exports and Imports.

A table showing the amount of trade between Cuba and Spain during the year 1894 (the last authentic report), is instructive:

Exportations from Cuba to Spain $23,412,376

Importations in Cuba from Spain $ 7,492,622

Difference in favor of export $15,919,754

1. What was the value of Cuban imports to Spain?

2. What was the value of Spanish imports to Cuba?

3. Who benefited most from this trade relationship?

4. Why did Spain refuse to grant Cuban independence?

Document C

Source: United States in War with Spain and the History of Cuba by Trumbull White

“The increase in taxation of Cuba for use in Spain in two years prior to the outbreak of the Ten Years' war was more than $14,000,000, and the next year it was proposed to increase it still more. The cities were hopelessly in debt and unable to make the most ordinary and most necessary public improvements. What few schools there had been were nearly all closed. The people saw a country separated from them but by a narrow stretch of water, where freedom reigned. They saw that they were being heavily oppressed with taxation for the benefit of the people of Spain, and that, in addition, they were being robbed mercilessly for the benefit of the authorities who were placed over them temporarily. If the money collected from them had been expended for their benefit in the island, or had been expended honestly, the case might have been different. As it was, however, an intolerable condition had been endured too long, and they rose against it.”

1. How much money had Spain made from Cuba in the 2 years prior to the Ten Years’ War in taxes alone? 2. Identify the country described in the following quote: “The people saw a country separated from them but by a narrow stretch of water, where freedom reigned.” 3. According to the passage, what would have made the Cubans less upset? 4. Were the Cubans justified in rebelling against Spain?

Document D Source: Telegram American painter and illustrator, Frederic Remington, was sent to Cuba by William Randolph Hearst to provide illustrations for the New York Journal covering the conflict in Cuba. After spending some time in Cuba, Remington sent Hearst a telegram requesting to return home. Remington to Hearst -"Everything is quiet. There is no trouble. There will be no war. I wish to return." Hearst’s immediate response to Remington - "Please remain. You furnish the pictures. I'll furnish the war." 1. Who was Remington and why was he sent to Cuba? 2. Why did Remington feel it was time for him to come home? 3. What did Hearst mean by, “You furnish the pictures. I’ll furnish the war”? 4. How would Hearst benefit from a war with Spain?

Document E Source: The USS Maine

The USS Maine was sunk in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. 1. What motivation would the Spanish have had in blowing up the Maine? 2. What motivation would the Cubans have had in blowing up the Maine? 3. What motivation would the Americans have had in blowing up the Maine? 4. What is the likelihood that the sinking of the Maine was an accident?

Document F

Source: Front page New York Journal

1. What is the name of this publication and who is the publisher? 2. Who is the enemy inferred in the headline? 3. What words were used on this page to stir American emotion? 4. What tactic is used to generate quick action?