The Spanish-American War: Economic Interests

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Questions and Answers

What was Gomez's strategy towards sugar growers?

He ordered them to cease production. (correct)

He allowed them to continue their operations freely.

He encouraged them to increase production.

He requested they sell more sugar to the Spanish.

What consequences did Gomez ensure for those who violated his orders?

They would receive monetary compensation.

They would face minimal punishment.

They would be severely punished by the rebel military. (correct)

They would be celebrated as heroes.

What was the economic impact of Gomez's actions by 1898?

It resulted in a flourishing market for supplies.

It led to significant economic growth.

It allowed for increased trade with the Spanish.

It brought the Cuban economy to a standstill. (correct)

How did the Spanish respond to Gomez's actions?

They aimed to isolate nationalist forces economically. Signup and view all the answers

What did the nationalists and the Spanish agree on regarding economic control?

It was essential for achieving success. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of Gomez's strategy on civilians?

They experienced a heavy price due to his strategy. Signup and view all the answers

Why could the Spanish not capture the nationalist forces?

They were unable to overcome their strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gomez forbid regarding small farmers?

Selling supplies to the Spanish. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Spain herded Cuban peasants into 'reconcentration' camps?

To isolate them from non-rebels Signup and view all the answers

What harsh measures did Spain implement in response to the Cuban revolt?

Sending 120,000 troops to combat the rebels Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the inadequate conditions in the 'reconcentration' camps?

High mortality rates from disease and starvation Signup and view all the answers

How did the press influence public opinion in the United States regarding the Cuban revolt?

Through sensationalized reporting of events Signup and view all the answers

What term was used to describe the camps where Cuban peasants were kept?

Concentration camps Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated number of Cuban rebels fighting against Spanish rule?

60,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main motivations of the Cuban rebels during the revolt?

To gain independence from Spanish rule Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the Cuban nationalists living in the U.S. have on reporting about the revolt?

They influenced the media with their perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What did Spain agree to relinquish as part of the preliminary treaty?

All claims to Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What was a common depiction of Filipinos in U.S. political cartoons before the Spanish-American War?

As having African features Signup and view all the answers

Which territory did the United States gain control of, along with Puerto Rico?

Guam Signup and view all the answers

Why was news about certain events popular among publishers in the late 1800s?

It covered human rights violations Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable military strategy of the United States during the Spanish-American War?

Launching a naval blockade of Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What were Spanish 'reconcentration camps' primarily used for?

To detain local rebels Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason black soldiers were among the first units mobilized for the Spanish-American War?

They were believed to be better suited to tropical climates. Signup and view all the answers

Which was NOT a reason for the United States to go to war with Spain in Cuba?

Maintaining strong trade relations Signup and view all the answers

Which battle did the black soldiers notably participate in during the offensive against Santiago?

Battle of Kettle Hill Signup and view all the answers

For what reason was a portion of the Spanish-American War fought in the Philippines?

To liberate the Philippines from Spanish rule Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of troops involved in the offensive against Santiago were killed or wounded?

10 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was a common cause of death for U.S. servicemen during the Spanish-American War aside from battle wounds?

Accidents and disease Signup and view all the answers

How did African-American communities contribute during the Spanish-American War?

They actively pressed for the inclusion of black officers. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the second call for volunteers for the war?

Five more states accepted black recruits. Signup and view all the answers

Which officer's regiment was noted as spearheading the assault on Kettle Hill?

Colonel Roosevelt's Rough Riders Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for black soldiers in terms of promotion after the war?

They were denied promotions into the officer corps. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common reaction among Americans regarding the Cuban revolt?

Many identified with Cuba's struggle against European oppression. Signup and view all the answers

What role did William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer play in the events surrounding Cuba?

They were newspaper owners who competed for coverage of the revolt. Signup and view all the answers

Which community particularly sympathized with the Cuban struggle due to the island's demographics?

The African-American community. Signup and view all the answers

Why were some Americans calling for U.S. intervention on humanitarian grounds?

They were moved by reports of atrocities against Cubans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the size of the U.S. Army at the outset of the war?

28,000 men Signup and view all the answers

What concern did some in the business community have regarding the Cuban conflict?

They feared for the safety of their investments. Signup and view all the answers

What was the perspective of the religious magazines regarding the Cuban revolt?

They supported U.S. intervention based on humanitarian concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What did the U.S. Navy provide to the war effort prior to the declaration of war?

An early taste of victory Signup and view all the answers

Why did many black leaders encourage African Americans to volunteer for military service?

To elevate the status of blacks in America Signup and view all the answers

What did publications owned by Hearst and Pulitzer compete for in relation to Cuba?

Public interest and support through sensationalized news. Signup and view all the answers

How many American soldiers landed in southeastern Cuba on June 22, 1898?

17,000 soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor that divided Americans concerning intervention in Cuba?

Differing beliefs about American responsibility in foreign conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the U.S. victory in Manila?

Rise in volunteer numbers from black Americans Signup and view all the answers

What problem did the U.S. Army face in terms of transportation for soldiers?

Lack of space for horses of the Rough Riders Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of Spain's military presence in Cuba compared to the U.S. at the onset of the war?

Spain had significantly more seasoned troops Signup and view all the answers

Who was instructed to prepare plans to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippines?

Commodore George Dewey Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Part II: The Spanish-American War

The United States had renewed interest in Cuba, a Spanish colony, in the late 1800s, partly because of its strategic location and valuable sugar industry.
American presidents and citizens had long coveted Cuba, even considering its purchase from Spain. John Quincy Adams expressed the belief that Cuba naturally belonged to the United States.
Cuba was important to Spain as the last major possession in the Western Hemisphere, despite being a third-rate European power at the time.
The Cuban economy, significantly dependent on sugar, had been greatly influenced by U.S. investment and trade in the late 19th Century.
American investments in Cuban sugar reached $50 million, reflecting significant American economic interest in the island in the period leading up to the Spanish-American war.
The 1890 removal of tariffs on Cuban sugar significantly boosted the Cuban economy, benefiting both Cuba and American investors.
The 1893 depression impacted U.S. and Cuban economies.
The 1894 imposition of higher U.S. tariffs on Cuban sugar exacerbated the situation.
Cuban nationalists renewed their revolt against Spanish rule in 1895.
The Spanish response intensified: more troops, harsh tactics (reconcentration camps), aimed to isolate rebels and control the population.
The American press widely publicized the Spanish atrocities in Cuba, often exaggerating or fabricating details, causing an uproar.
Hearst and Pulitzer, leading newspaper owners, sent reporters to Cuba to generate support for U.S. intervention.
Humanitarian concerns and the desire to protect U.S. investments also motivated interventionist sentiment.
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in 1898, leading to numerous accusations of Spanish sabotage, became a significant catalyst for war.
Public opinion became overwhelmingly in favor of war with Spain.
The Teller Amendment, part of the resolution authorizing the war, pledged U.S. intentions to leave Cuban governance to its people.
The U.S. Navy's early victory in the Philippines, led by Commodore Dewey, boosted American morale.
The U.S. quickly gained control of the Philippines, and the subsequent war with Spain concluded with a swift U.S. victory.

U.S. Interests in Cuba

The U.S. had significant economic interests in Cuba's sugar industry.
Cuba's location near Florida made its control strategically important.
Many Americans believed that the island was essential to U.S. security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
Some U.S. political figures and newspapers asserted that Cuba was destined to become part of the United States.

Spanish Tactics

The Spanish government used tactics like "reconcentration" camps to isolate rebels, resulting in widespread suffering and starvation.
These practices were heavily documented and publicized in U.S. newspapers.

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Description

Explore the economic factors that fueled American interest in Cuba leading up to the Spanish-American War. Understand how U.S. investments in the Cuban sugar industry played a crucial role in shaping political relations between the two countries. This quiz examines the dynamics of trade, tariffs, and aspirations during the late 19th Century.