The Spanish-American War Summary

The Spanish-American War

Rising Tensions

  • At the end of the 19th century, tensions increased between Spain and its colony in Cuba.
  • Cuban patriot José Martí initiated a war for independence from Spain in 1895.
  • Many Americans sympathized with the Cubans, drawing parallels between their fight for freedom and democracy and the American Revolution.

Yellow Press and Jingoism

  • Newspaper publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst used their publications, known as the Yellow Press, to intensify public animosity toward the Spanish government.
  • The Yellow Press published exaggerated stories of Spanish atrocities to promote war with Spain.
  • The publication of a letter by Spain’s ambassador in Hearst’s New York Journal, which disparaged McKinley, fueled American jingoism (aggressive nationalism).
  • The sinking of the American battleship Maine in Havana harbor was promptly blamed on Spain by the Yellow Press.

Declaration of War and Initial Battles

  • In April 1898, the U.S. Congress declared war on Spain, marking the beginning of the Spanish-American War.
  • Commodore George Dewey swiftly destroyed a large portion of the Spanish fleet in the Spanish-held Philippines.
  • Filipino nationalists, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, concurrently fought and defeated the Spanish army.
  • Spanish troops surrendered to the United States in August.

U.S. Troops in Cuba

  • U.S. troops landed in Cuba in June 1898.
  • Despite inadequate training, unsuitable uniforms, and outdated weaponry, the U.S. troops were successful.
  • Spanish forces in Cuba surrendered to the United States.
  • Theodore Roosevelt organized the Rough Riders, who, along with African American soldiers from the Ninth and Tenth Cavalry regiments, played a significant role in the war.

Treaty of Paris

  • In December 1898, Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Spanish-American War.
  • Spain relinquished control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam.
  • Spain sold the Philippines to the United States.

Filipino Insurrection

  • Emilio Aguinaldo initially saw America as an ally in the Filipino struggle for independence.
  • Aguinaldo became disillusioned when the United States retained possession of the Philippines after the war.
  • He organized an insurrection against U.S. rule.
  • Filipino insurgents employed guerilla warfare tactics, including surprise raids and hit-and-run attacks.
  • The U.S. military responded by using extraordinary measures to suppress the rebellion.
  • The war in the Philippines highlighted the challenges of fighting against guerilla insurgents.
  • Nearly 5,000 Americans and 200,000 Filipinos died in the conflict.