IMG_2439.pdf

The Spanish-American War

Conceptual Understanding

  • Key Questions:

    • To what extent did domestic issues in the USA cause the Spanish-American War?

    • How did the Spanish-American War affect hemispheric relations in the years after 1898?

Key Concepts

  • Causation and Consequence are central to understanding the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War.

Causes of the Spanish-American War

  • The Cuban Revolution:

    • Sparked by Cuban nationalists fighting against Spanish colonial oppression.

    • Previous struggles for independence (previously in the 1870s) had failed, leading to continued Spanish control.

    • In 1895, José Martí became a prominent leader, instigating insurrection which resulted in guerrilla warfare.

    • Spanish General Valeriano Weyler responded with severe tactics, forcing rural populations into camps leading to significant civilian suffering.

  • U.S. Economic Interests:

    • The U.S. invested around $50 million in Cuba; rising unrest threatened these investments.

    • Approximately 20,000 Cubans living in the U.S. began actively lobbying for Cuban independence.

The Yellow Press

  • Role of Sensationalism:

    • Newspapers such as those run by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer capitalized on the atrocities in Cuba, stirring public outrage and interest.

    • Mass meetings and demonstrations were organized to gain support for Cuban rebels, connecting Cuban independence to broader U.S. interests.

U.S. Diplomatic Response

  • President McKinley's Stance:

    • McKinley was more prone to confront Spain diplomatically compared to his predecessor, Cleveland.

    • He aimed for a balanced policy, advocating for American honor while avoiding imperialistic aggression.

    • The Yellow Press continued to increase pressure for direct intervention, exacerbating tensions.

  • The Explosion of the USS Maine:

    • The tragedy of the Maine's explosion was a significant catalyst for U.S. entry into the war, further inciting public and governmental sentiment against Spain.

War and Military Campaigns

  • U.S. Forces in Action:

    • Initial operations were centered in Cuba, with significant battles leading to the capture of Santiago.

    • American forces faced challenges such as disease, lack of adequate preparation, and logistic issues during the campaign.

  • Battle of Manila Bay:

    • Commanded by Commodore George Dewey, this naval engagement resulted in a decisive victory against the Spanish fleet, securing American control over the Philippines.

Aftermath of the War

  • Treaty of Paris (1898):

    • The treaty ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S. and recognized Cuban independence.

    • The status of the Philippines proved controversial, with the U.S. ultimately agreeing to pay $20 million for its possession.

  • Imperialism Debate:

    • Opposition to U.S. expansion was vocalized by the American Anti-Imperialist League, which included figures like Mark Twain.

    • The ratification of the treaty faced skepticism in the Senate, revealing deep divisions about the future of America's foreign policy.

  • Platt Amendment (1901):

    • This ensured Cuban independence while giving the U.S. the right to intervene and maintain a military presence on the island, reflecting ongoing U.S. imperial interests.

The Spanish-American War

Conceptual Understanding

  • Key Questions:

    • To what extent did domestic issues in the USA cause the Spanish-American War?

    • How did the Spanish-American War affect hemispheric relations in the years following 1898?

Key Concepts

  • Causation and Consequence are vital in analyzing the causes and effects of the war.

Causes of the Spanish-American War

  • The Cuban Revolution:

    • Sparked by nationalists against Spanish rule; previous attempts (1870s) had failed.

    • José Martí led a guerrilla insurrection in 1895, prompting severe Spanish military responses.

  • U.S. Economic Interests:

    • The U.S. invested approximately $50 million in Cuba; unrest threatened American investments and economic stability.

    • Affected Cuban-Americans began lobbying for independence.

  • The Yellow Press:

    • Sensationalist journalism by Hearst and Pulitzer fueled public outrage over Spanish atrocities in Cuba, increasing demand for intervention.

  • U.S. Diplomatic Response:

    • President McKinley favored a diplomatic approach over imperialism but faced pressure from the Yellow Press and public opinion.

  • Explosion of the USS Maine:

    • The incident catalyzed U.S. involvement, intensifying anti-Spanish sentiment.

War and Military Campaigns

  • U.S. Forces in Cuba:

    • Operations focused on Cuba; faced health crises and logistical issues during key battles, notably the capture of Santiago.

  • Battle of Manila Bay:

    • Commodore George Dewey's decisive naval victory established American dominance in the Philippines.

Aftermath of the War

  • Treaty of Paris (1898):

    • Ceded Puerto Rico and Guam to the U.S., recognized Cuban independence. The U.S. controversially paid $20 million for the Philippines.

  • Imperialism Debate:

    • The American Anti-Imperialist League opposed expansion, revealing significant divisions in U.S. foreign policy.

  • Platt Amendment (1901):

    • Ensured Cuban independence but allowed U.S. intervention and military presence, reflecting imperial interests.