Yellow Journalism and the Spanish American

War

“You furnish the pictures, I’ll furnish the war.”

-William Randolph Hearst

Perspective Lens

Monroe Doctrine: President James Monroe (1823) US doesn’t want European expansion in the

Western Hemisphere Colonies could remain aligned with their “mother

country” Many European countries were on the verge of

independence US wants economic influence

Late 1880s

US is strong after Civil War Industrial Revolution and Gilded Age makes US

economy strong US begins to flex its international muscle Wants colonies for $ US hears of Cubans fighting against

oppressive Spanish Empire Wants to “help out”

Spanish Rule in Cuba

Cuban revolted numerous times after 1850. Brutally crushed

Late 1880s Economic Depression annoys Cubans

Jose Marti helped organize rebellion Spain sends General Valeriano “the butcher”

Weyler to crush rebels. Atrocities!

US Interest

US wants Spain out US wants Economic gain

Joseph Pulitzer’s The World and William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal use Yellow Journalism to get public support Frederic Remington deceived

Public sees images and stories, demands war January 1898 USS Maine explodes

“Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain!”

The War

Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders capture San Juan Hill.

Commodore George Dewey fights off General Emilio Aguinaldo

August 1898 Spain surrenders US cements its influence in Philippines,

Cuba, Puerto Rico