Spanish American War

José Martí: A Cuban poet and journalist in exile who became a key figure in launching the Cuban revolution against Spain in 1895.
Valeriano Weyler: Spanish general sent to Cuba to restore order, known for his brutal tactics.
Yellow Journalism: Sensationalist news reporting that exaggerated the truth to provoke public interest and influence opinions, especially in the context of the Spanish-American War.
U.S.S. Maine: An American battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor, leading to the rallying cry for U.S. intervention in Cuba.
George Dewey: Commodore of the U.S. Navy who led the American fleet to a decisive victory against the Spanish fleet in Manila during the Spanish-American War.
Rough Riders: A volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, known for their charge up San Juan Hill.
San Juan Hill: The site of a significant battle during the Spanish-American War where American forces, including the Rough Riders, achieved victory over Spanish troops.
Treaty of Paris (1898): Agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, leading to the cession of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.

The United States became involved in the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, primarily due to rising public sympathies fueled by journalist accounts of Spanish atrocities.
American interests in Cuba were longstanding, with failed attempts to purchase the island from Spain as early as 1854.

The Cuban struggle for independence consisted of two major periods of revolt: 1868-1878 and the second war from 1895 onward, led by José Martí.
The Cuban rebellion sought to destroy Spanish influence, particularly targeting American-owned properties to provoke U.S. intervention.
Public opinion in the U.S. was divided, with some supporting Spain for economic reasons and others championing Cuban independence.

The competition between newspaper magnates William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer resulted in the emergence of yellow journalism, which fueled American outrage against Spain, especially after General Weyler's harsh tactics.
The publication of sensationalized stories, including the depiction of atrocities, effectively mobilized American public opinion toward supporting intervention in Cuba.

The publication of the de Lôme letter, which insulted President McKinley, and the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine, were critical events that escalated tensions between the U.S. and Spain.
The rallying cry “Remember the Maine!” showcased the public's readiness for war, despite some diplomatic efforts from President McKinley to resolve conflicts peacefully.

The war officially began with Congress declaring war on April 20, 1898, leading to battles in both the Philippine Islands and Cuba.
Commodore Dewey led the naval attack in the Philippines, resulting in the destruction of the Spanish fleet and enabling U.S. troops to collaborate with Filipino rebels.
In Cuba, American forces faced challenges but achieved significant victories, including the infamous charge of the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill.

The Treaty of Paris, signed on December 10, 1898, formally ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain relinquishing control of Cuba and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
Debates arose around the annexation of the Philippines, with varying opinions on American imperialism, self-governance, and ethical responsibilities abroad.
The acquisition of territories raised essential questions about citizenship, self-determination, and race relations back in the United States.

James Creelman’s depiction of the Cuban situation was critical in shaping American public sentiment leading to intervention. His vivid accounts of violence and suffering underscored the humanity at stake in the conflict.
José Martí cautioned against U.S. imperialism even as he fought for Cuban freedom, highlighting a complex relationship with American involvement.