Key Events and Concepts of the Spanish-American War

Spanish-American War

A conflict in 1898 where the U.S. fought Spain to liberate Cuba, resulting in U.S. acquiring an overseas empire.

Cuba

An island nation whose struggle for independence from Spain prompted U.S. intervention.

José Marti

A Cuban revolutionary leader who declared independence and was killed in 1895.

Ostend Manifesto

A U.S. document suggesting that America should seize Cuba if Spain refused to sell it.

Yellow Journalism

Sensationalized news aimed at stirring public emotions and boosting newspaper sales.

William Randolph Hearst

A newspaper magnate who used yellow journalism to influence public opinion towards war with Spain. Also blamed the explosion of the USS Maine on spain.

Humanitarian

A term describing the moral obligation Americans felt to help Cuban citizens under Spanish rule.

De Lôme Letter

A letter from the Spanish ambassador criticizing President McKinley, which inflamed U.S. sentiments against Spain.

U.S.S. Maine

A U.S. battleship that mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, catalyzing the U.S. declaration of war on Spain.

Rough Riders

A volunteer cavalry led by Teddy Roosevelt, famous for their charge up San Juan Hill during the war.

San Juan Hill

A key battle in the Spanish-American War where U.S. forces secured a decisive victory.

Commodore Dewey

A U.S. Navy officer who led the defeat of the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay.

Manila Bay

The site of a significant U.S. naval victory over Spain, leading to the occupation of the Philippines.

Philippines

A group of islands acquired by the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, leading to further conflict with Filipino insurgents.

Imperialism

The practice of extending a nation's power by acquiring territories.

Alfred Thayer Mahan

A naval historian who advocated for sea power as essential for national greatness.

Anti-Imperialist League

A group opposing U.S. expansionism, arguing it was contrary to American principles of self-government.

Puerto Rico

An island ceded to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, maintaining a unique relationship with the U.S.

Teller Amendment

A promise that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War.

Platt Amendment

A U.S. law that took out U.S. troops from Cuba ,but limited Cuban sovereignty and establishing a U.S. naval base on the island. Cuba isn’t allowed to borrow money from a country they cant repay.

Hawaii

A Pacific island group annexed by the U.S. after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

Queen Liliuokalani

The last monarch of Hawaii, who sought to restore native control but was overthrown by American settlers.

Spheres of Influence

Areas where foreign powers have significant control over trade and other activities.

"Open Door" policy

A U.S. policy advocating equal trading rights in China, opposing exclusive control by any one nation.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign uprising in China that led to international military intervention.

Treaty of Portsmouth

A treaty mediated by Teddy Roosevelt ending the Russo-Japanese War.

Panama Canal

A crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, built by the U.S. after supporting Panama's independence from Colombia.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy opposing European colonization in the Americas.

Roosevelt Corollary

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine asserting U.S. intervention in Latin America to maintain stability.

"Big Stick" policy

Roosevelt's foreign policy emphasizing negotiation backed by the threat of military force.

"Dollar Diplomacy"

President Taft's strategy of using U.S. financial power to influence other nations, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America.