The SPANISH-AMERICAN War [APUSH Review Unit 7 Topic 3] Period 7: 1898-1945

Spanish-American War Overview

  • The Spanish-American War marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward imperialism.

  • American industrialists and politicians were eager to expand the United States’ influence, particularly in Cuba, a Spanish colony.

Background of the Conflict

  • Cuban Rebellion (1895): Cuban nationalists began fighting against Spanish rule but were violently suppressed.

  • The plight of Cubans drew American attention and sympathy, setting the stage for intervention.

Role of Yellow Journalism

  • Definition of Yellow Journalism: Sensationalist media aimed at increasing newspaper sales by exaggerating stories.

  • Prominent figures: Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.

  • They published exaggerated accounts of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, fueling American public outrage and support for intervention.

  • Historians debate the extent of yellow journalism's impact on the war but agree it played a significant role.

U.S. Naval Presence and the U.S.S. Maine Incident

  • The U.S. established a naval presence in Cuba for protection.

  • U.S.S. Maine Explosion (1898): A U.S. battleship exploded in Havana Harbor, killing over 200 Americans.

    • Media Reaction: Yellow journalists falsely blamed Spain, claiming it was a malicious act.

    • Investigation Outcome: Later determined to be an accidental explosion, but public sentiment was already swayed.

Declaration of War

  • President McKinley issues an ultimatum to Spain: abide by U.S. demands or face war.

  • Spain accepted the ultimatum, but the U.S. still declared war on April 25, 1898.

Outcomes of the War

  • The Spanish-American War was short but had lasting effects on U.S. imperial ambitions.

Fate of Cuba

  • Cuba gained independence after the war, but it was severely limited by the Platt Amendment.

    • Allowed U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs, restricting Cuba's ability to manage its own foreign policy and economy.

Annexation of the Philippines

  • The U.S. defeated Spain and annexed the Philippines for $20 million via the Treaty of Paris (1898).

  • Filipino expectations of gaining independence were dashed, leading to the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) under Emilio Aguinaldo.

    • Conflict lasted for three years, with U.S. control maintained until after World War II.

Expansion of U.S. Empire

  • The U.S. annexed Hawaii in 1898, following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani by American settlers in 1893.

  • The acquisition of Hawaii and the Philippines represent the U.S.’s commitment to empire-building.

Economic Expansion: The Open Door Policy

  • Amidst European dominance in China, U.S. sought to establish trading rights.

  • Secretary of State John Hay issued the Open Door Note to European powers urging an open trading policy in China.

  • Although met with indifference, the note did not face outright rejection, allowing the U.S. to maintain some trading privileges.

Conclusion

  • The Spanish-American War marked the beginning of U.S. imperial expansion and shaped American foreign policy into the 20th century.