The Spanish-American War was a significant event that marked the end of Spain’s colonial rule in the Americas and signaled the rise of the United States as a global power. The conflict primarily involved Spain and the United States, but it all started with the struggle for independence in Cuba. Cubans were eager to break free from Spanish control, and although the U.S. initially stayed out of Cuba’s first independence movement, known as the Ten Years’ War (1868-1878), things changed when the Cuban fight for freedom reignited in 1895.
As the Cuban struggle continued, the United States began to show more interest and support for the Cuban cause. American newspapers played a big role in this by focusing on the harsh actions of Spain in Cuba. Some newspapers used sensational stories, a practice called yellow journalism, to stir public support for U.S. intervention. The situation escalated when the USS Maine, an American battleship, mysteriously exploded in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, killing 260 American crew members. Although an investigation suggested a mine caused the explosion, many Americans blamed Spain, leading Congress to declare war on April 25, 1898.
Initially, President Grover Cleveland wanted to stay neutral, but as anti-Spanish feelings grew—especially after Spain’s General Valeriano Weyler implemented a brutal policy in Cuba—Cleveland’s stance shifted. When President William McKinley took office in 1897, tensions continued to rise, especially after a derogatory letter from the Spanish foreign minister was made public. The sinking of the USS Maine further pushed the U.S. toward war.
The war began with a major naval battle at Manila Bay in the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey led U.S. forces to a decisive victory against the Spanish fleet, although capturing Manila required more troops later in the summer. In Cuba, U.S. forces targeted the Spanish stronghold at Guantanamo Bay, engaging in battles from June 6 to June 10, 1898. Despite being outnumbered, American troops successfully captured the bay. The fighting continued at San Juan Hill on July 1, where U.S. forces, including the famous Rough Riders, achieved significant victories.
The war officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. This treaty required Spain to give up control over Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico, while the Philippines were sold to the U.S. for $20 million. The treaty not only concluded the Spanish-American War but also led to the Philippine-American War due to unresolved issues about U.S. intentions in the region.
The aftermath of the war was profound for both countries. For Spain, it marked the end of its colonial empire and a shift towards focusing on domestic issues. For the United States, the war established it as a global power and began a period of overseas expansion. However, some people criticized this expansion, arguing that it was hypocritical for the U.S. to act as an imperial power. Ultimately, the Spanish-American War changed the balance of power between Spain and the United States, reversing their roles in terms of colonial influence.
Investigate the role of yellow journalism in the Spanish-American War. Create a presentation that explains how sensationalized news stories influenced public opinion and led to the U.S. declaring war on Spain. Include examples of headlines and articles from that era.
Participate in a class debate on whether the United States was justified in intervening in Cuba. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering the political, economic, and humanitarian aspects of the intervention.
Create a map highlighting the key battles of the Spanish-American War, such as the Battle of Manila Bay and the Battle of San Juan Hill. Use symbols and annotations to describe the significance of each battle and its outcome.
Engage in a role-playing activity where you represent different stakeholders involved in the Treaty of Paris negotiations. Discuss and negotiate the terms of the treaty from the perspectives of the United States, Spain, Cuba, and the Philippines.
Write an essay analyzing the impact of the Spanish-American War on both Spain and the United States. Discuss how the war shifted the balance of power and the implications for future U.S. foreign policy.
The Spanish-American War marked the end of Spanish colonial influence in the Americas and initiated a new chapter for the United States. While the conflict was primarily between Spain and the U.S., it originated from unrest in Cuba, where Cubans sought independence from Spanish rule. Although the U.S. initially refrained from intervening in Cuba’s first independence movement, known as the Ten Years’ War (1868-1878), it adopted a different stance when Cuban rebels resumed their fight for freedom in 1895.
The U.S. became increasingly interested and sympathetic to the Cuban cause. As tensions rose, U.S. journalism focused on events in Cuba, particularly in response to Spain’s harsh actions. Some newspapers resorted to sensationalist reporting, known as yellow journalism, to rally public support for intervention. This sentiment intensified following the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, which resulted in the deaths of 260 American crew members. Although an official inquiry attributed the explosion to a mine, many Americans blamed Spain, leading Congress to declare war on April 25, 1898.
Initially, President Grover Cleveland maintained a neutral stance, but as anti-Spanish sentiment grew—especially after General Valeriano Weyler’s brutal reconcentration policy in Cuba—Cleveland’s position shifted. President William McKinley, who succeeded Cleveland in 1897, faced escalating tensions, particularly after a derogatory letter from the Spanish foreign minister was published. The sinking of the USS Maine further propelled the U.S. toward war.
The war began with the Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines, where Commodore George Dewey received orders to engage the Spanish fleet. On May 1, 1898, Dewey’s forces decisively defeated the Spanish fleet, although they lacked sufficient troops to capture Manila until later in the summer.
In Cuba, U.S. forces focused on the Spanish stronghold at Guantanamo Bay, where they engaged in conflict from June 6 to June 10, 1898. Despite being outnumbered, American troops successfully captured the bay. The fighting continued at San Juan Hill on July 1, where U.S. forces, including the Rough Riders, achieved significant victories.
The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, which resulted in Spain relinquishing control over Cuba, Guam, and Puerto Rico, while the Philippines were ceded to the U.S. for $20 million. This treaty not only ended the Spanish-American War but also set the stage for the Philippine-American War due to unresolved tensions regarding U.S. intentions in the region.
The aftermath of the war was significant for both nations. For Spain, it marked the end of its colonial empire and a shift towards addressing domestic issues. For the United States, the war solidified its status as a global power and initiated a period of overseas expansion, despite some criticism from anti-imperialists who viewed U.S. actions as hypocritical. Ultimately, the Spanish-American War transformed the dynamics of power between Spain and the United States, reversing their roles in the context of colonial influence.
Spanish-American War – A conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, resulting in the U.S. gaining territories in the western Pacific and Latin America. – The Spanish-American War marked a turning point in U.S. history, as it emerged as a significant imperial power.
Cuba – An island nation in the Caribbean that was a Spanish colony until the Spanish-American War, after which it gained independence with U.S. influence. – The struggle for Cuba’s independence was a major factor leading to the Spanish-American War.
Journalism – The activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information, which played a crucial role in shaping public opinion during historical events. – Yellow journalism exaggerated events in Cuba, swaying public opinion in favor of the Spanish-American War.
Intervention – The involvement by a country in another country’s affairs, often to influence the outcome of a conflict or political situation. – The U.S. intervention in Cuba was justified by many as a moral obligation to support Cuban independence.
Treaty of Paris – The agreement signed in 1898 that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain relinquishing control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S. – The Treaty of Paris marked the end of the Spanish Empire in the Americas and the Pacific.
Imperial Power – A nation that extends its influence and control over other countries or territories, often through colonization or military force. – By acquiring new territories after the Spanish-American War, the United States established itself as an imperial power.
Battles – Engagements between opposing military forces, often decisive in determining the outcome of wars and conflicts. – The Battle of San Juan Hill was a significant engagement during the Spanish-American War, showcasing the military prowess of the Rough Riders.
Independence – The state of being free from control or influence of another country, often achieved through a struggle or conflict. – Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain was a catalyst for the Spanish-American War.
Tensions – Strained relations between countries or groups, often leading to conflict or war. – The tensions between the United States and Spain escalated due to the sinking of the USS Maine, leading to the Spanish-American War.
Expansion – The process of a country increasing its territory or influence, often through colonization or conquest. – The late 19th century was a period of expansion for the United States, as it acquired new territories following the Spanish-American War.
