The SPANISH-AMERICAN War [APUSH Review Unit 7 Topic 3] Period 7: 1898-1945
Introduction to the Spanish-American War
Importance of understanding background information from previous video on American expansionism.
Key motivation for American involvement: the desire to acquire Cuba, a Spanish colony.
Background Context
Cuban Nationalists Struggle (1895): Renewed revolt against Spanish rule, but faced severe repression from Spain.
American industrialists and politicians had vested interests in Cuban independence.
Role of Yellow Journalism
Definition: Sensationalist journalism led by Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, aimed at increasing newspaper circulation.
Exaggeration of Spanish atrocities towards Cubans influenced public opinion.
Historians debate the extent of yellow journalism's influence, but agree it played a role in fostering pro-war sentiment.
U.S. Naval Involvement
Establishment of a naval presence in Cuba amid rising tensions.
Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine (1898): Over 200 Americans died; initial blame placed on Spain due to yellow journalism.
Investigations later revealed that the explosion was accidental but sensationalism fueled calls for war.
Declaration of War
President McKinley issued an ultimatum to Spain: cease hostility or face war.
Despite Spain's compliance, the U.S. still declared war, resulting in a brief conflict.
Outcomes of the Spanish-American War
Victory for the U.S.: Marked the emergence of America as an imperial power.
Effects on Cuba
Cuba gained independence but under the Platt Amendment, allowing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs to protect American interests.
Limited Cuba's ability to dictate its own foreign policy.
Annexation of the Philippines
Role of Theodore Roosevelt: Sent naval forces to the Philippines, aided Filipino nationalists in overthrowing Spain.
Post-war treaty: U.S. acquired the Philippines for $20 million.
Misunderstanding among Filipinos regarding U.S. intentions, leading to a conflict for independence against U.S. colonial rule (1899-1902).
Further Expansion
Strategic importance of the Philippines highlighted a need for a mid-Pacific supply point.
Annexation of Hawaii (1898): Hawaii became another acquisition supporting U.S. imperial ambitions.
Economic Expansion and the Open Door Policy
Open Door Policy: Initiated by Secretary of State John Hay to ensure U.S. trading rights in China amid European colonial domination.
Although largely ignored by European powers, it symbolized America's economic interests in Asia and aimed at preventing exclusion from Chinese markets.
Conclusion
The Spanish-American War significantly altered America's role on the global stage, reinforcing its imperialistic ambitions and expanding its territory through military conflict and economic policies.