Spanish-American War Overview Quiz

Study Notes

Spanish-American War Overview

The Spanish-American War was fought between the United States and Spain from April 25th, 1898, until August 13th, 1898. It had significant impacts on both countries involved, particularly the US, where it had far-reaching effects on its international standing, internal politics, territorial expansion, and imperialism.

Impact on the United States

This war marked several firsts for the US: it gave them their first overseas colonies outside North America; they became a world power; and many American citizens saw themselves as having a mission to spread democracy throughout the world. This resulted in a growing sense of national identity among Americans. However, it also led to debates over whether such actions were consistent with the principles of republican government and whether the massive increase in federal revenue needed to finance these new obligations could be sustained without radical changes in tax policy.

Furthermore, this conflict sparked fundamental revisions in US strategic thinking regarding the acquisition of territory in Latin America. Before the war, most Americans considered any US involvement south of Texas and Mexico to be unjustified intervention. Afterward, expanded interests in the Caribbean Basin began to take shape. These included efforts to establish diplomatic recognition, economic penetration, financial stabilization, political reform, and military occupation wherever deemed necessary.

Role of Theodore Roosevelt

One important figure during the war was Theodore Roosevelt, who served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley. He was influential in bringing about the war by encouraging aggressive policies towards Spain over Cuba. In January 1897, he urged a policy of action rather than waiting, claiming that there were thousands more Cubans ready to rise against Spanish oppression if given arms and money. Later, when war came, he played a part in forcing McKinley into declaring war by proposing a resolution demanding immediate withdrawal of all Spanish troops and authorities from Cuba. His strong views helped to confirm public opinion behind the decision to go to war.

Causes of the War

Cuba was undoubtedly the primary cause of the conflict. For decades, insurgency movements had been present there, but after receiving reports of what appeared to be massacres committed by Spanish soldiers, news reached the White House in late December. On January 1st, the New Year's Day edition of the New York Journal contained a sensational story headlined 'Remarkable Revelations Concerning the Havana Massacre', detailing alleged atrocities carried out by Spanish forces in Cuba. Outraged Congress members demanded action to stop the abuses, leading directly to war declaration later in the year. Aside from this, fear of German expansion and desires for trade routes in Asia also influenced the decision.

Key Events During the Conflict

Some notable events during the Spanish-American War included:

June 17th, 1898 - Admiral George Dewey attacked Manila Bay, Philippines.
July 3rd, 1898 - Battle of San Juan Hill took place near Santiago de Cuba.
August 12th, 1898 - Treaty of Peace signed by the two nations.

These events ultimately ended fighting and established the terms of settlement for the war.

The Treaty of Paris

On December 10th, 1898, representatives of Spain and the U.S. met aboard the battleship Oregon offshore Hampton Roads, Virginia, to sign the final peace treaty known as the Treaty of Paris. By this treaty, Spain cedes to the United States Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and recognizes Cuban independence. It also ended hostilities and stipulated compensation to Spain for the loss of its colonies, while establishing the Platt Amendment which governed relations between the US and Cuba until 1934.

Description

Test your knowledge on the history, impacts, key figures, causes, events, and the Treaty of Paris related to the Spanish-American War. Learn about the significant role of Theodore Roosevelt and the key events that shaped the outcome of the conflict.

Spanish-American War Overview Quiz

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

The Spanish-American War took place between August 13th, 1898, and April 25th, 1898.

The Spanish-American War resulted in the United States acquiring its first overseas colonies outside of North America.

Many American citizens believed they had a mission to spread communism throughout the world after the Spanish-American War.

Debates arose in the US after the war regarding the consistency of their actions with the principles of republican government.

Before the Spanish-American War, most Americans supported US involvement south of Texas and Mexico.

The Spanish-American War led to fundamental revisions in US strategic thinking regarding the acquisition of territory in Europe.

Theodore Roosevelt served as Secretary of the Navy under President William McKinley during the war.

Theodore Roosevelt's strong views helped prevent the war with Spain.

The New York Journal reported alleged atrocities by Spanish forces in Cuba, leading to outrage and demands for action from Congress.

The Battle of San Juan Hill occurred near Manila, Philippines during the conflict.

The Treaty of Paris ended fighting between Spain and the United States but did not establish terms for settlement.

The Platt Amendment governed relations between the United States and Puerto Rico until 1934.

Study Notes