9 Questions
What were the main motivations behind the US involvement in the Spanish-American War?
The US aimed to help Cuba gain independence from Spain and emerged as a predominant power in the Caribbean region. The US also acquired Spain's Pacific possessions, leading to involvement in the Philippine Revolution and later the Philippine-American War.
What was the goal of José Martí's campaign against Spain in Cuba?
José Martí's goal was to organize Cuban resistance against Spain and lead the second war for independence in Cuba.
What was the main reason behind the Richmond Bread Riot in 1863?
The government's failure to provide food and other necessities to working-class families.
How did yellow journalism contribute to the start of the Spanish-American War?
Yellow journalism exaggerated atrocities and blamed Spain for the sinking of the USS Maine, leading to increased public fervor and support for US intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.
How did American newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer contribute to the growing demand for American intervention in Cuba?
They used sensationalist style of writing, known as yellow journalism, to fan war fever and increase American sympathy for "Cuba Libre!".
Who led the Richmond Bread Riot in 1863?
Working-class white women who were affected by conscription and economic struggles.
What was General Valeriano Weyler's strategy to crush the rebellion in Cuba?
General Valeriano Weyler's strategy was to herd the entire rural population into concentration camps, in an attempt to restore order and crush the rebellion.
How did Richmond leaders respond to the Richmond Bread Riot in 1863?
They were alarmed by the women's actions and condemned the rioters.
What were the outcomes of the Spanish-American War?
The Spanish-American War brought an end to Spanish presence in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, and the US became a major power with island possessions spanning the globe. The Treaty of Paris ceded ownership of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the US and granted temporary control of Cuba to the US.
Study Notes
- By the end of the 19th century, Spain had lost most of its colonies except for the Philippines, Guam, a few outposts in Africa, and the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico.
- The United States had a long-standing interest in Cuba, which was only 90 miles south of Florida.
- American sympathies went out to the Cuban people when they rebelled against Spain between 1868 and 1878.
- After the emancipation of Cuba's slaves, American capitalists invested millions of dollars in large sugar cane plantations on the island.
- The second war for independence erupted in Cuba in 1895, led by Cuban poet and journalist José Martí.
- Martí organized Cuban resistance against Spain, using an active guerrilla campaign and deliberately destroying property, especially American-owned sugar mills and plantations.
- American public opinion was split, with some business people wanting the government to support Spain to protect their investments, while others were enthusiastic about the rebel cause.
- General Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba by Spain to restore order and tried to crush the rebellion by herding the entire rural population into concentration camps.
- The sensationalist style of writing, known as yellow journalism, was used by American newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer to fan war fever.
- American sympathy for "Cuba Libre!" grew with each day's headlines, and demands for American intervention in Cuba were on the rise.
"Test your knowledge on the Spanish-American War and the struggle for Cuban independence with our quiz! Explore the key players, events, and motivations that led to the conflict, including the controversial tactics of General Weyler, the role of American business interests, and the impact of yellow journalism on public opinion. With questions ranging from the origins of the conflict to the aftermath, this quiz will challenge your understanding of this pivotal moment in American and Cuban history."
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