Spanish-American War - PDF

Causes of the Spanish-American War

• Cuban Struggle for Independence

  • Began in February 1895.

  • Spain's brutal repression of the rebellion sparked outrage in the U.S.

• Yellow Journalism

  • Defined as journalism that uses sensationalism and exaggeration to increase sales.

  • Played a significant role in shaping American public opinion favoring intervention.

• Sinking of USS Maine

  • USS Maine sent to Havana to protect U.S. citizens during anti-Spanish riots.

  • The unexplained sinking of the battleship contributed to calls for war.

War Is Declared

• Spain's Response

  • Announced an armistice on April 9 and proposed granting Cuba limited self-government.

  • U.S. Congress issued resolutions declaring Cuba’s right to independence and demanding Spanish withdrawal.

• U.S. Declaration of War

  • Congress authorized President McKinley to use force to secure Spain’s withdrawal.

  • Spain declared war on the U.S. on April 24, 1898.

  • U.S. formally declared war on April 25, retroactive to April 21.

Spanish-American War Begins

• Uneven Conflict

  • Spain was unprepared for war against the U.S.

  • Commodore George Dewey led a naval squadron into Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.

  • U.S. destroyed the Spanish fleet in less than two hours with minimal American casualties (fewer than 10).

  • Spanish losses estimated at over 370.

  • Manila occupied by U.S. troops by August.

• Cervera’s Squadron

  • Spanish fleet led by Admiral Pascual Cervera located in Santiago harbor, Cuba.

  • Troops, including Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders under Gen. William Shafter, landed east of Santiago and advanced towards the city.

• Battle of Santiago

  • On July 3, Cervera attempted to escape but faced heavy fire from U.S. forces.

  • All of Cervera's ships were destroyed or beached.

  • Santiago surrendered to Shafter on July 17, effectively ending the war.