the spanish american war samoset middle school 8 th grade social studies
TRANSCRIPT
The Spanish American War
Samoset Middle School
8th Grade Social Studies
America’s Pacific EmpireAmerica’s Pacific Empire
Spain’s Declining PowerSpain’s Declining Power
Due to wars fought in Europe, Spain’s power in the Caribbean greatly declined
By the 1890’s, Spain was left with Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean and the Philippines and Guam in the Pacific
CubaCuba
Located 90 miles from Florida
U.S. had important economic interests in Cuba Investments in railroads, sugar & rice plantations, tobacco & iron
mines
““Cuba Libre”Cuba Libre”
Beginning in 1868, Cubans revolt against Spanish rule
In 1895, Spain sends a ruthless governor to Cuba to crush the rebellion
At least 100,000 Cubans are killed in reconcentration camps
Many Americans sympathized with Cubans but many businesses wanted to protect their interests
Yellow JournalismYellow Journalism Joseph Pulitzer’s World and William Randolph Hearst’s Journal were
competing for readers
Yellow journalism - when journalists rely on sensational stories, which are usually bias or untrue, in order to sell more newspapers
Both printed the most graphic stories about Spanish atrocities
Analysis => What was the impact on public opinion?
“You supply the pictures, I’ll supply the war.”
- William Randolph Hearst to a photographer going to Cuba
Remember The Maine!Remember The Maine!
McKinley sends the battleship Maine to protect U.S. citizens living in Havana, Cuba after riots break out
The ship suddenly explodes in Havana Harbor killing 260 crew members
Yellow journalists blame the Spanish and use the rallying cry, “Remember The Maine” to get McKinley to ask for a declaration of war
War is declared on April 25, 1898
War in CubaWar in Cuba
American navy blockades Spanish fleet in Santiago Bay
American army lands in Santiago and fight with Cuban rebels
Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders join the army and capture San Juan Hill overlooking the city of Santiago
After loss of Santiago, Spanish fleet tries to escape Santiago Bay but is destroyed by American navy
The Rough RidersThe Rough Riders
Spanish American War in the Spanish American War in the PhilippinesPhilippines
Once war is declared on Spain, U.S. naval forces arrive in Philippines, Spain’s Pacific base
U.S. naval commander launches surprise attack and destroys the Spanish fleet
U.S. troops fight side by side with Filipino rebels and defeat the Spanish
““A Splendid Little War”A Splendid Little War” War lasted only 4 months with only 400 U.S. soldiers
killed – however thousands died from disease
Cuba gains independence but must ratify the Platt Amendment in their new constitution => gave U.S. a naval base and allowed U.S. to intervene when necessary
U.S. gains Puerto Rico in Caribbean and Guam in Pacific
U.S. acquires Philippines for $20 million. How do Filipino rebels feel?