Spanish-American War

Identify reasons for the war; explain goals of the Anti-Imperialist League

Rebellion against Spain

• By end of 1800s – inhabitants of Spanish colonies were demanding their independence

• Included Philippine Islands, Guam, Cuba and Puerto Rico

• Revolt in Cuba concerned US – disrupted trade

• US outraged by stories describing Spanish brutality

Yellow Journalism

• Attracted readers• Sensational style of writing that exaggerates

the truth• Forced President McKinley to take action

against Spain after the sinking of the USS Maine

US goes to War

• Jan. 1898 – USS Maine in Havana’s harbor to protect Americans in Cuba

• Feb. – Maine exploded killing 260 sailors• Spain blamed ; “Remember the Maine”

becomes call to arms

Awake United States!This song was rushed into print between the sinking of the Maine on February 16, 1898 and the declaration of war on April 25, 1898.

Eagle soar on high, and sound the battle cry!

How proudly sailed the warship Maine, a Nation’s pride, without a stain! A wreck she lies, her sailors slain.

By two-faced butchers, paid by Spain!

Eagle soar on high, And sound the battle cry

Wave the starry flag!

In mud it shall not drag!

• April, 1898 – McKinley signs resolution calling for Cuba’s independence and demands a withdrawal of Spanish forces

• Spain refuses; war began

War in the Philippines

• First major battle of Spanish-American War• May, 1898 – Manila Bay• Commodore George Dewey destroyed

Spanish fleet with help of Filipino rebels

War in the Carribbean

• June, 1898 – Rough Riders & other military units set out to capture Santiago, Cuba

• Two days after charging up San Juan Hill, Spanish fleet destroyed in Santiago Harbor

• July 17 – city surrendered

Rough Riders

• Volunteer cavalry group led by Teddy Roosevelt

• Captured San Juan Hill outside Santiago and defeated the Spanish

Results of War• US decides to keep Philippine Islands and

Guam as colonies• Filipino people unsuccessfully fight against

American rule• US requires Cuba to attach Platt Amendment

to its constitution

• US makes Puerto Rico a territory with little power to govern itself

• 1917 – Puerto Rico becomes self-governing territory with US citizenship for Puerto Ricans

Platt Amendment

• Allowed US to intervene in Cuba anytime there was a threat to “Life, Property, and individual Liberty.”

• Cuba also had to allow US naval base at Guantanamo Bay

Anti-Imperialist League

• Many people disappointed with US action following the war

• Anti-Imperialist League formed hoping to insure the right of people to govern themselves.

Platform of the American Anti-Imperialist League

• “ We hold that the policy known as imperialism is hostile to liberty…..We regret that it has become necessary in the land of Washington and Lincoln to reaffirm that all men, of whatever race or color, are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

• What is this passage saying?

Cue Questions

• What did Yellow Journalism cause?• What was the purpose of the “Rough Riders”?• Why was the USS Maine sent to Cuba?

• Activity: Illustrate the USS Maine in Cuba