Spanish-American War (1898)

Spanish-American War (1898)

Objective

• Explain the effects of the Spanish-American War.

Context of the Spanish-American War

• U.S. Economic Interests: Large U.S. sugar investment in Cuba, located only 90 miles from the U.S.
• Spain's Decline: By the end of the 19th century, Spain was a declining empire, maintaining control over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines while facing independence movements.

Key Causes of the Spanish-American War

• American Investments in Cuba and Insurgent Movements: Significant investments by Americans in Cuba coincided with the Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule.
• Reconcentration Camps:
  • Under the command of General Valeriano Weyler, Spain used reconcentration camps in Cuba.
  • Approximately 400,000 civilians were forcibly relocated into these camps, resulting in dire conditions leading to a death rate of 50% due to inadequate food, medicine, and work supplies.
  • Example: In one city, around 1,000 civilians died each month.
• Yellow Journalism:
  • This sensationalist style of journalism heightened U.S. public sympathy for Cuban rebels; notable journalists included William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.
  • Hearst famously stated, "You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war.