Spanish American War & Cuban Rebellion

Students will analyze the causes of the Spanish-American War and understand the context of the Cuban Rebellion.

Causes of Spanish-American War and the Cuban rebellion

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Summary

Convey a greatersense of truthfulness

​American Imperialism

At first the United States followed a policy of isolationism. This policy was set forth in George Washington's Farewell Address,in which he advised the nation to "steer clear of entangling alliances", however as the nation continued to industrialize many believed that American should expand beyond its boarders

Manifest Destiny was a popular idea amongst Americans at the time. By the late 1800s, a new idea of American Imperialism was becoming more popular.

There were three main focuses on American Imperialism. Economic- more natural resources would lead to new material Military- create military bases around the world Cultural- spread American liberty and democracy ​

Imperialism: leaders wanted to spread American influence throughout the world

​Yellow Journalism: exaggerated newspapers

War Clouds Loom

Cubans had been under Spanish rule Since the landing of Columbus in 1492

Many Cubans were poor and wanted their independence from Spain. In 1868, they staged a revolt that was put down ten years later. In 1895, a new revolt broke out.Spain’s brutally repressive measures to halt the rebellion were graphically portrayed for the U.S. public by several sensational newspapers engaging in yellow journalism, and American sympathy for the Cuban rebels rose.

After the Civil War, Americans moved to Cuba, one of Spain's oldest colonies, to establish large sugar plantations on the lush, tropical island.

Did you know?

Spain is NOT happy!

The term yellow journalism was coined in the 19th century to describe journalism that relies on eye-catching headlines, exaggeration and sensationalism to increase sales.

In 1895, Cuba declared its independence and Spain responded by sending soldiers to crush the rebellion using brutal tactics

The De Lome Letter

The De Lôme Letter was a letter written by Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, to the Foreign Minister of Spain, Don José Canalejas. The De Lôme Letter called American President McKinley “weak”. The letter was published in the New York Journal on February 9, 1898, and helped to fuel public support for war with Spain over Cuba's independence

Remember the Maine

On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine Exploded in Havana Harbor under mysterious circumstances

The American battleship USS Maine was in the harbor in Cuba. The ship arrived in the Cuban harbor to provide protection and act as an escape vessel for the Americans currently living on the island. The ship suddenly exploded in February of 1898. The USS Maine exploded while anchored in the harbor, killing 253 sailors and injuring many more. Newspapers began to blame Spain for planting a bomb.

The ship's captain, one of the only 84 survivors, scribbled a telegram to Washington: "Maine blown up in Havana Harbor at nine forty tonight and destroyed. Many wounded and doubtless more killed or drowned...Public opinion should be suspended until further report."

U.S. Declares War

President McKinley asked Congress permission to declare war on Spain and send troops to Cuba. ​Congress declared war on April 20, 1898.

On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain following the sinking of the Battlehsip Maine in Havana Harbor on february, 15 1898

Videos

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Media started the Spanish-American War

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