Rader Eric LP1 Power Point

8/3/2019 Rader Eric LP1 Power Point

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Spanish-American

War


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Reasons for the Spanish-American

War Protection of American

business interests in Cuba

Struggle for CubanIndependence

Tragedy of the USS Maine

Yellow Journalism


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Protection of American business

interests in Cuba Cuba was a major source of trade

American investments in sugar

By aiding Cuban independence from Spain,American business interests would be protected.


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Struggle for Cuban Independence Major struggles for independence began in 1868.

Heavy use of guerilla warfare

American support of Cuban rebels to gainindependence from Spain

Spanish criticized for violent suppression ofCuban efforts

Spain reluctant because Cuba was a majorcontributor to the Spanish economy, so its losswould be a major blow


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Tragedy of USS Maine President McKinley sent

the USS Maine toHavana to ensure the

safety of Americancitizens

Sent as a result of therecent riots

Sunk at 9:40 pm,

February 15, 1898


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Tragedy cont. Still do not know for certain what caused the explosion of theMaine, although log reports know that it was an internalexplosion, and many experts believe it was a mine

Death of 266 U.S. sailors

Rising tensions between Spain and the United States as aresult of the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor

News of this event, combined with the way it wassensationalized rapidly created public outcry, which probablyhelped to speed up war sentiments

McKinley requested $50 million dollars from congress fordefense as a result


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Yellow Journalism While not the single cause for movement towards

war, it definitely moved public opinion and aidedpolitical pressure

You furnish the pictures, Ill furnish the war William Randolph Hearst to one of his illustrators.


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Declaration of War On April 21 President McKinley orders a blockade of

Cuba and four days later the U.S. declares war

QuickTime and adecompressor

are needed to see this picture.


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Surprise in the Philippines Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore

Roosevelt was eager to expand US naval power.

After the Maine blew up, Roosevelt orderedCommodore George Dewey to move his ships inorder to strike the Philippines when the war brokeout.

On May 1, Dewey, with a small fleet of American

warships, sank the entire Spanish squadron atManila Bay, in the Philippines.

The US did not lose a single ship or life.


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War in the Caribbean US troops were poorly trained and equipped but

they were eager to fight

U.S. ships trapped the Spanish fleet in Santiagoharbor.

When the fleet tried to escape, the US destroyedit.

After the Spanish surrendered Cuba, the USinvaded Puerto Rico and quickly brought theisland under US control.


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The Rough Riders Led by Theodore Roosevelt, who quit his

navy position in order to go to war.

Roosevelt helped lead his men in asuccessful charge up San Juan Hill that

became the most celebrated event of tewar.


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Treaty of Paris Spain accepted Cuban independence.

The United States gained four territories.

The United States paid Spain $20 million. Treaty triggered a debate in the US.

- Many Americans said taking colonies broughtthe risk of future wars.

- Expantionists welcomed the treaty saying thatthe territories allowed the US to spreaddemocracy.


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United States gains territories. US gained:

- Puerto Rico

- the Philippines

-the Pacific Islands of Guam

- Wake


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Foreign Policy after Spanish-

American War. US replaced Spain as the leading

Caribbean power.

After the war the United States becamemore involved in foreign affairs.

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Rader Eric LP1 Power Point