Spanish-American War

Cubans did not like being under Spanish rule so many people revolted.

To stop the revolt Spain imprisoned hundreds of thousands of people.

Americans were displeased with how Cubans were being treated and were

worried about American owned businesses in Cuba.

President William McKinley sent the USS Maine to Cuba’s Havana Harbor to

protect the lives and property of Americans in Cuba.

One night a huge explosion destroyed the Maine, killing 260 Americans. Newspapers reported that Spain

caused the explosion. Which was probably not true.

Newspapers published many exaggerated articles about how the Spaniards treated Cubans. People

were calling for action crying “Remember the Maine!”

Congress declared war and the Spanish-American war began.

Nearly one million Americans volunteered to fight. Theodore

Roosevelt left his job as secretary of the navy and organized a group called the Rough Riders. The Rough Riders

were a group of fighting cowboys, Native Americans, college athletes, and

wealthy New Yorkers.

Also chosen to fight were experienced African American soldiers known as

Buffalo Soldiers.

The Americans defeated the Spanish at the Battle of San Juan Hill and

American ships destroyed the Spanish fleet in Cuba.

As a result of the Spanish-American war the United States gained control of

Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Cuba gained

independence, but were under American protection for a few years.

With the swift victory the United States showed that it was a world

power and one of the most powerful nations in the world.