US History: Spanish-American War and Yellow Journalism

Questions and Answers

What was the Spanish American War?

A civil war within Spain

A war fought between the US and Spain in Cuba and the Philippines (correct)

A conflict over trade routes

A war for Texas independence

What is yellow journalism?

Journalism that exploits, distorts, or exaggerates the news to create sensations and attract readers.

Who was Joseph Pulitzer?

A newspaper rival of Hearst who also used yellow journalism.

Who was William Randolph Hearst?

A leading newspaperman who ran The New York Journal and helped propagate yellow journalism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Teller Amendment?

Legislation that promised the US would not annex Cuba after winning the Spanish-American War. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Treaty of Paris (1898) accomplish?

It ended the Spanish-American War and provided for the annexation of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico by the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Platt Amendment?

Legislation that severely restricted Cuba's sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What is Guantanamo Bay?

A naval base in Cuba granted to the United States as part of the Platt Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Foraker Act (1900)?

A law that gave Puerto Ricans a limited say in government. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Jones Act (1917) grant to Puerto Ricans?

US citizenship and the right to elect both houses of their legislature. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Emilio Aguinaldo?

Leader of the Filipino independence movement against Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Philippine-American War?

An armed conflict between the Philippines and the United States from 1899-1902. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Jones Act (1916) promise to the Philippines?

Territorial status and independence as soon as stable government was achieved. Signup and view all the answers

What were the insular cases?

Court cases dealing with recently annexed islands/countries and the rights of their citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spanish-American War

Occurred in 1898 between the US and Spain, primarily in Cuba and the Philippines.
Lasted less than 3 months; resulted in Cuba's claimed "independence" and US annexation of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Sparked by yellow journalism influenced by the sinking of the USS Maine.

Yellow Journalism

Exploitative journalism that distorts, exaggerates, and sensationalizes news to attract readers and create public interest.

Key Figures

Joseph Pulitzer: Rival of Hearst who employed yellow journalism techniques to boost his New York newspaper circulation.
William Randolph Hearst: Notable capitalist in journalism and promoter of sensationalist news through The New York Journal.

Legislative Developments

Teller Amendment: Assured the US would not annex Cuba post-war against Spain.
Treaty of Paris (1898): Signed on December 10, officially ending the war; allowed US military presence in Cuba and annexation of territories.
Platt Amendment: Restricted Cuban sovereignty, allowing US intervention in Cuban affairs, resulting in limited independence for Cuba.
Foraker Act (1900): Provided Puerto Ricans with limited self-governance.
Jones Act (1917): Granted US citizenship to Puerto Ricans and the ability to elect their legislature.

Philippine Context

Emilio Aguinaldo: Key leader of the Filipino independence movement who declared independence in 1899 but was later captured by the US.
Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Continuation of the independence struggle that turned into a brutal guerrilla conflict, ultimately leading to US victory.
Jones Act (1916): Provided the Philippines with territorial status and promised eventual independence based on stable governance.

Insular Cases

Supreme Court decisions regarding the rights of recently annexed territories; concluded that constitutional rights did not automatically extend to Puerto Ricans and Filipinos.

Description

Explore the key concepts surrounding the Spanish-American War and the role of yellow journalism in shaping public opinion. This quiz dives into the context, events, and consequences of the war, which led to significant territorial changes for the United States. Test your knowledge on this pivotal moment in American history.