What were the underlying causes of the Spanish-American War? What impact did the war have?

The Spanish-American War

BY: CONNOR DRISCOLL AND JORGE GODINEZ

Background/What?

The Spanish-American War was a conflict in 1898 between the United States and Spain which was the result of American intervention in the Cuban War of Independence.

The Cuban war provided the United States an opportunity to seize overseas possessions and begin building an American empire.

Spain declared war on the United States on April 24, followed by a U.S declaration of war on the 25th.

Causes/Why?

Revolts against Spanish rule had happened for some years in Cuba.

America intervened in the Cuban War of Independence.

America was interested in overseas possessions.

On the evening of February 15th, the U.S.S Maine in Havana harbor was blown up unexpectedly. This was a critical event on the road to the war.

Effects

The War ended with the Treaty of Paris being signed on 10 Dec. 1898

Collapse of the Spanish Empire Outbreak of the Philippine-American War By the Treaty of Paris, Spain renounced all

claim to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States.

Spain also transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000.

Effects (cont.)

Spanish colonial rule in the Americas ended. Spain now starts to pay attention upon its

domestic needs… …leading to both a cultural and literary

“renaissance” and two decades of much-needed economic development.

The United States emerges from the war a world power, with overseas possessions and a new stake in international politics that would let them play a determining role in the affairs of Europe.

Battles

The U.S defeats the Spanish at the Battle of San Juan Heights in July 1, 1898.

The Battle of Manila Bay- The U.S wins against the Spanish Navy, demonstrating the daring and decisive applications of sea power.

The Battle of Las Guasimas- A Spanish victory is achieved at The Battle of Las Guasimas in Sevilla, Cuba.

Key Events

In July 3, 1898, the U.S destroys the Spanish Fleet off Santiago Bay, Cuba.

The Spanish surrender at Santiago in July 17, 1898.

In August 12, 1898, The U.S and Spain sign the Protocol of Peace, ending hostilities between the two.

Illustrations

The Battle of Las Guasimas

Battle of San Juan Hill or,Charge of the Rough Riders at San Juan Hill

A Catalan satirical drawing criticizing U.S. behavior regarding Cuba.

Illustrations (cont.)Explosion of the U.S.S Maine Rough Riders

at San Juan Heights

Conclusion

One major reason The Spanish-American war happened is the fact that America intervened in the Cuban War of Independence against Spain. America saw this as a chance to seize overseas possessions.

The Spanish-American War lasted 3 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days, and resulted in an American victory.

Conclusion (cont.)

With a victory on the American side, America emerged from the war with new international power. This tied them more closed to the events happening on the other side of the world.

Citations

"Spanish-American War". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. Web. 09 Dec. 2013http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/558008/Spanish-American-War.

“The World of 1898: The Spanish American War.” Library of Congress. Library of Congress Online. n.d Web. 9 Dec. 2013. http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/

“ The Spanish-American War, 1898.” Office of the Historian. U.S Department of State. n.d Web. 9 Dec. 2013. http://history.state.gov/milestones/1866-1898/spanish-american-war

Citations (cont.)

“ Spanish American War.” The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. n.p. n.d Web. 10 Dec. 2013http://amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/printable/section.asp?id=7

“Spanish American War.” 2013. The History Channel website. 10 Dec.2013 http://www.history.com/topics/spanish-american-war.