Spanish-American War Media Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'benighted' most closely refer to in the context provided?

Culturally advanced

Enlightened and knowledgeable

Lacking in basic resources

Pitifully ignorant (correct)

What was the significance of the heavy investments by US businessmen in Cuba during the 1880s?

It created a reliance of Cuba on the US for imports. (correct)

It led to a major increase in political autonomy for Cuba.

It resulted in the diversification of Cuba's economy.

It enhanced Cuba's control over its own exports.

In Rudyard Kipling's poem, what does 'The White Man's Burden' represent?

The challenge of promoting democracy

The resistance against foreign intervention

The economic benefits of colonial trade

The moral obligation for imperialism (correct)

What can be inferred about the relationship between the US and Cuba in the 1890s based on trade data?

Cuba's economy was significantly dependent on the US. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'exhaustless' in the context of the statement about liberty?

Endless and abundant Signup and view all the answers

What was the New York Times known for at its establishment in 1851?

Investigative coverage of local and national issues Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did the New York Times report on February 16?

The destruction of the battleship Maine Signup and view all the answers

What was Secretary Long's response regarding the possibility of the Maine's destruction being caused by an enemy?

He stated he had no reason to suspect it was the work of the enemy. Signup and view all the answers

Which date did the incident involving the battleship Maine occur?

February 15 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant reactions in Washington after the destruction of the battleship Maine?

Exchange of cablegrams between Washington and Havana Signup and view all the answers

Which newspaper is referenced as an important source for local and international news?

New York Journal and Advertiser Signup and view all the answers

What type of excitement was reported at the Navy Department following the Maine incident?

Intense excitement Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the battleship Maine in American history?

Its destruction led to increased tensions with Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What event intensified public sentiment in the U.S. towards war with Spain?

The De Lôme letter scandal Signup and view all the answers

In his State of the Union Address, what was one reason President McKinley gave for declaring war against Spain?

To end the humanitarian crisis in Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What consequences did the reconcentration camps in Cuba have on the population?

Health crises due to famine and disease Signup and view all the answers

How did President McKinley justify U.S. intervention in Cuba?

To protect U.S. citizens and their property Signup and view all the answers

What tragic event influenced U.S. emotions towards Spain during this time period?

The explosion of the USS Maine Signup and view all the answers

What was the claim made by the Spanish regarding the reconcentration camps?

They were designed for public safety and protection Signup and view all the answers

Which factor did McKinley emphasize as a justification for intervention concerning U.S. economic interests?

The destruction of American-owned businesses and property Signup and view all the answers

What statistic highlights the severity of the situation in the reconcentration camps by 1898?

One third of Cuba's population was forcibly relocated Signup and view all the answers

What was the reported death rate among the reconcentrados?

77% Signup and view all the answers

What did Alfred Beveridge argue about governing foreign lands?

Self-governance is not a requirement for governance. Signup and view all the answers

How did the consul general describe the conditions faced by the reconcentrados?

Dismal, lacking basic necessities Signup and view all the answers

What benefits did Beveridge claim would result from governing new territories?

Enhanced resources and commerce Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'reconcentrados' refer to?

Prisoners of reconcentration camps Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements did Beveridge NOT make regarding the governance of new territories?

The U.S. must seek consent from all people. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource was specifically mentioned by Beveridge as abundant in Cuba?

Iron Signup and view all the answers

How many acres of forest did Beveridge claim were unexploited in Cuba?

15,000,000 acres Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Americans supported the Cubans in their fight for independence from Spain?

They thought the Spanish treatment of Cubans was severe. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Monroe Doctrine declare regarding the American continents?

They were to be free and independent from European colonization. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main impact of the publication of the De Lome letter?

It caused public outrage and demands for an apology from Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred shortly after the publication of the De Lome letter?

The USS Maine exploded. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase describes the sentiment expressed in the caption of the 'Spanish Misrule' article?

The need to protect Cuba from Spanish colonial rule. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of William Randolph Hearst in the De Lome letter incident?

He published the letter, igniting public outrage. Signup and view all the answers

How was the term 'anarchy' relevant in the context of Cuban independence?

It was used to justify American intervention in Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of President Monroe's declaration in the Monroe Doctrine?

The United States positioned itself as a protector of American nations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.