Causes of the Spanish-American War

Yellow Journalism

• Exaggerated or sensationalized news to attract readers.
• Often used inflammatory language and dramatic imagery.
• Played a role in swaying public opinion, influencing support for intervention in Cuba.

Causes of the Spanish-American War

• Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule—seeking independence and self-governance
• Spanish brutality towards Cuban rebels—creating humanitarian concerns
• Economic interests of US businesses—involving trade and investments with Cuba
• Yellow journalism—sensationalizing events in Cuba and Spain
• Interventionist desires of the US—to gain more global influence.
• The sinking of the USS Maine—fueled public anger against Spain

Father of Cuban Independence

• José Martí

General Weyler's Actions

• Implemented a policy of reconcentration—forcing Cuban civilians into camps.
• Intended to separate rebels from supporters.
• Led to significant suffering and deaths among civilians.

Cuba and the Platt Amendment

• Cuba's sovereignty limited by the Platt Amendment.
• The Platt Amendment required Cuba to allow US intervention in its affairs.
• This meant that Cuba did not have full autonomy.

USS Maine

• The USS Maine was in Havana harbor for displays of US military power and to protect US interests.
• The USS Maine exploded and sank, resulting in the deaths of over 260 sailors.
• The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear.

McKinley's Demands to Spain

• Spain was demanded to end its reconcentration policy, treat Cuban rebels humanely, and negotiate with them for peace.
• Spain did not fully meet all of these demands.

Teller Amendment

• Stated that the US had no intention of annexing Cuba.
• It declared that Cuba should become an independent nation once the war was over.

First Fighting of the Spanish-American War

• The initial battles took place in the Philippines.

Emilio Aguinaldo

• Philippine revolutionary leader who fought for independence from Spain and then the US.

De Lôme Letter

• A private letter written by the Spanish minister to the US criticizing President McKinley.
• The letter was leaked to the press.
• It increased anti-Spanish sentiment in the US.

Rough Riders

• A volunteer regiment of US soldiers in the Spanish-American War.
• Commanded by Theodore Roosevelt.

Battle of San Juan Hill

• A significant battle in Cuba.
• The Rough Riders played a prominent role in the victory.

"Splendid Little War"

• John Hay's description of the Spanish-American War.
• This contrasted with the significant loss of life and the long-term implications of US actions in the Philippines.

US Position as World Leader

• The war solidified the US as a major world power.
• It increased US influence abroad.
• It asserted its global presence.

Treaty of Paris

• Treaty ending the Spanish-American War.
• Ceded control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the US.
• Sold the Philippines.

Anti-Imperialist League

• A group opposing US expansionism and imperialism/annexation of territories like the Philippines.
• Prominent members included prominent figures like Mark Twain and Andrew Carnegie

Henry Cabot Lodge and Ratification

• Henry Cabot Lodge supported the ratification of the Treaty of Paris to enhance US global power.

Explore the various factors that led to the Spanish-American War, including yellow journalism, Cuban independence, and US economic interests. This quiz examines key events and figures that shaped the conflict, providing a comprehensive understanding of its origins and impacts.