Spanish-American War Media Perspectives

New York Journal and Advertiser

• The New York Journal and Advertiser published an article on February 17, 1898 stating that there was no proof to the contrary.
• The article suggested that the Maine explosion was a result of Spanish sabotage, as no evidence to the contrary had been produced.

New York Times

• The New York Times reported on February 16, 1898, that the situation remained unclear, with Secretary Long stating that he did not suspect sabotage.
• Secretary Long's statement demonstrates a more cautious approach compared to the New York Journal's immediate accusation of Spanish involvement.

"The Duty of the Hour"

• In 1895, Cubans began fighting for independence from Spain.
• Many Americans supported Cuba's independence movement, believing Spanish mistreatment of Cubans was harsh, especially the use of detention camps.
• The cartoon portrays the "duty of the hour": saving Cuba from Spain and a worse fate.
• It reflects American public opinion, connecting the idea of American intervention with saving Cubans from Spanish oppression.

The Monroe Doctrine

• The Monroe Doctrine was issued in 1823 by President Monroe.
• It declared that the American continents were not open to colonization by European powers.
• It signified the American belief in self-determination and independence for nations in the Western Hemisphere.

The De Lôme Letter Controversy

• In February 1898, the De Lôme letter was published revealing insulting comments about President McKinley.
• The letter referred to McKinley as a "pansy," further inflaming American public opinion and escalating tensions between the US and Spain.

President McKinley's State of the Union Address

• McKinley's war message to Congress, delivered on April 11, 1898, outlined the rationale for declaring war against Spain.
• He cited humanitarian concerns, protection of American citizens in Cuba, economic damage, and threats to American commerce.
• Most importantly, McKinley directly implicated the Spanish government in the Maine explosion, citing the incident as a justification for intervention.

The Reconcentration Camps

• The Spanish established "reconcentration" camps in Cuba to control the population and prevent guerrilla warfare.
• The policy resulted in horrific conditions, leading to widespread famine and death.
• By 1898, one-third of Cuba's population had been forcibly sent to these camps, accounting for over 400,000 deaths.

March of the Flag

• In his speech, Alfred Beveridge advocated for American expansion, arguing that the US had a moral and economic obligation to govern territories.
• He used examples of British and German imperialism to support his claims.
• He emphasized the economic benefits of expanding American influence, particularly in Cuba.

Cuban Exports and Imports

• In the 1880s, American businessmen invested extensively in Cuban sugar plantations.
• By 1894, nearly 90% of Cuban exports went to the US, and 38% of American exports went to Cuba.
• This economic interdependence created strong ties between the two countries.

The White Man's Burden

• Rudyard Kipling's poem "The White Man's Burden" encouraged the US. to embrace the "burden" of empire, just like Britain and other European nations.
• The poem reflected a prevailing view among some Americans that the US had a responsibility to civilize and uplift less developed countries.

Explore the contrasting viewpoints presented by the New York Journal and Advertiser and the New York Times in February 1898 regarding the Maine explosion and Spanish involvement. This quiz also highlights American public sentiment towards Cuba's fight for independence from Spain. Dive into the historical articles and political cartoons depicting the era's complex sentiments.