Spanish American War Overview

Annexation of Hawaii

• Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, strategically boosting naval power in the Pacific.
• Queen Liliuokalani opposed annexation but was overthrown by American sympathizers and business interests.
• The annexation allowed for increased American sugar exports and was justified by manifest destiny.

José Martí

• Cuban poet and revolutionary figure advocating for Cuban independence from Spanish rule.
• Recognized as a national hero; he inspired the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898).

The Spanish-American War

• Fought in 1898 between the United States and Spain, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence.
• Conflict was marked by the involvement of key figures and events, including the USS Maine explosion.

Where was it fought?

• Major battles took place in Cuba (San Juan Hill, Santiago) and in the Philippines.

How did it go?

• The U.S. quickly defeated Spanish forces, showcasing naval superiority and military prowess.

What was the outcome?

• Resulted in the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas, leading to U.S. territorial acquisitions.

Were any important people involved?

• Key figures included President William McKinley, Navy Admiral George Dewey, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Valeriano Weyler

• Spanish General known for his harsh tactics in Cuba, including reconcentration policies against revolutionaries.
• His methods drew criticism and fueled anti-Spanish sentiment in the U.S.

Yellow Journalism

• Sensationalistic journalism that exaggerated stories to provoke public interest and support for the war.
• Key newspaper figures included William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

The De Lome Letter

• A private letter by the Spanish ambassador criticizing President McKinley, which was leaked to the press.
• Fueled anti-Spanish sentiment and contributed to the call for war.

USS Maine

• An American battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, leading to U.S. intervention in Cuba.
• The cause of the explosion remained disputed, but it became a rallying cry for war ("Remember the Maine!").

Rough Riders

• A volunteer cavalry regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War.
• Famous for their charge up San Juan Hill, gaining national recognition.

San Juan Hill

• Significant battle in the war that led to the U.S. victory in the Cuban theater.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of American forces and tactical planning.

Treaty of Paris

• Signed in December 1898, formally ending the Spanish-American War.
• The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, signaling its emergence as a global power.

What was the result of the Treaty of Paris?

• The treaty marked Spain's colonial decline and established the U.S. as an imperial power in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Foraker Act

• Enacted in 1900, established civilian government in Puerto Rico after its acquisition by the U.S.
• Did not grant Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship, leading to debates over civil rights and governance.

Platt Amendment

• Added to the Cuban Constitution in 1901, granting the U.S. the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.
• Restricted Cuba's ability to enter treaties with other nations and allowed U.S. naval bases on the island.

Protectorate

• A political arrangement in which a country maintains control over another while allowing some autonomy.
• Cuba operated as a U.S. protectorate after the Spanish-American War.

Emilio Aguinaldo

• Leader of the Filipino revolution against Spanish rule and later against American colonization.
• Declared Philippine independence in 1898 but led a guerrilla campaign against U.S. forces after the war.

The American-Philippine War

• Fought from 1899 to 1902, stemming from Filipino resistance to U.S. rule.
• Resulted in significant loss of life and eventual U.S. control over the Philippines.

John Hay

• U.S. Secretary of State known for his Open Door Policy regarding trade in China.
• Played a significant role in establishing the principles of open trade to prevent imperialism.

Open Door Notes

• Series of diplomatic communications initiating the Open Door Policy, aimed at keeping China open to trade for all nations.
• Efforts sought to prevent any single nation from monopolizing trade and influence in China.

Boxer Rebellion

• An anti-foreign uprising in China (1899-1901) led by "Boxers" who opposed colonial influence.
• The U.S. participated in an international response to help suppress the rebellion and protect citizens.

State of America in the early 1900s

• Characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and a desire for international expansion.
• Social and political reform movements gained momentum, shaped by issues such as labor rights, women’s suffrage, and temperance.

This quiz covers key events, figures, and outcomes of the Spanish American War, including the annexation of Hawaii, the involvement of notable individuals like Valeriano Weyler and Emilio Aguinaldo, and important documents such as the Treaty of Paris. Test your knowledge on the impact of yellow journalism and America’s imperial strategies in the early 1900s.