History of the Spanish-American War Lesson
Lesson Overview
- What Is the Spanish-American War About?
- Causes of the Spanish- American War
- Key Battles and Events
- Treaty of Paris (1898) and Results
- Key Figures
- Aids & Key Strategies
The Spanish-American War (1898) was a brief yet historically significant conflict fought between the United States and Spain. While it lasted only four months, its consequences reshaped global politics and positioned the U.S. as an emerging world power.
The war was primarily fought in Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam, all of which were under Spanish colonial rule at the time. It marked the end of Spain's empire in the Americas and led to the expansion of U.S. influence overseas.
What Is the Spanish-American War About?
This war was not just about military engagements but also about economic interests, media influence, and imperial ambitions. The United States, having largely focused on domestic expansion through Manifest Destiny, now looked outward, aiming to establish itself as a dominant force on the international stage.
The war was driven by multiple factors, including the Cuban struggle for independence, sensationalized journalism, and the explosion of the USS Maine, which ignited American public outrage. By the time the war ended, the U.S. had gained new territories and global prestige, setting the stage for its 20th-century role as a world power.
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Causes of the Spanish- American War
Several major factors contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, each playing a role in shaping public opinion and government decisions. The causes ranged from humanitarian concerns to economic and political motivations, all culminating in the U.S. decision to go to war against Spain.
| Cause | Description |
| Cuban Independence Movement | By the 1890s, Cubans had been fighting for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Spain responded harshly, using reconcentration camps where thousands of Cubans perished due to disease and starvation. Many Americans sympathized with Cuba's struggle, seeing it as similar to their own revolution against Britain. |
| Yellow Journalism | Sensationalized and exaggerated news stories published by major newspapers, especially those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, painted Spain as a brutal oppressor. These newspapers printed false or exaggerated reports to stir American emotions and push for intervention. |
| Economic Interests | The United States had significant business investments in Cuba, particularly in sugar plantations and trade routes. The ongoing Cuban conflict threatened these economic ties, prompting many U.S. business leaders to advocate for intervention. |
| USS Maine Explosion | The U.S. battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing 260 American sailors. Although the cause remains debated, American newspapers blamed Spain, increasing calls for war. The phrase "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!" became a rallying cry for war supporters. |
| American Expansionism (Imperialism) | Many influential leaders and policymakers believed that the U.S. should expand its influence overseas, just as European powers were colonizing distant lands. Imperialists saw war as an opportunity to acquire territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, strengthening the U.S. military and economic presence worldwide. |
By April 1898, following heated debates and growing public pressure, President William McKinley asked Congress for a declaration of war against Spain. Although McKinley was initially hesitant, the combined pressures of humanitarian concerns, media influence, and political ambition pushed the U.S. into conflict. The U.S. also passed the Teller Amendment, which promised that Cuba would be granted independence rather than annexed by the U.S. after the war.
Key Battles and Events
Once war was declared, major battles unfolded in both the Caribbean and the Pacific, showcasing the growing power of the U.S. military, particularly its navy. The swift and decisive victories of American forces demonstrated their advanced naval capabilities and strategic planning.
| Battle/Event | Date | Location | Outcome |
| Battle of Manila Bay | May 1, 1898 | Manila, Philippines | Admiral George Dewey led the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in a surprise attack, destroying the Spanish Pacific fleet in a matter of hours. The victory gave the U.S. complete naval control over the Philippines. |
| Battle of San Juan Hill | July 1, 1898 | Santiago, Cuba | The Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit led by Theodore Roosevelt, charged uphill and seized Spanish defensive positions. The battle was key to securing victory in Cuba. |
| Naval Battle of Santiago | July 3, 1898 | Off the coast of Santiago, Cuba | The U.S. Navy completely destroyed the Spanish fleet, forcing Spain to surrender its last stronghold in the Caribbean. |
| Surrender of Santiago | July 17, 1898 | Cuba | Spanish forces formally surrendered, marking the effective end of Spanish rule in the Caribbean. |
| Puerto Rico Campaign | July 25, 1898 | Puerto Rico | The U.S. quickly occupied Puerto Rico with little resistance, taking control of the island. |
With Spain suffering severe military losses, peace negotiations began. By August 12, 1898, an armistice was signed, bringing an official end to hostilities. The war had lasted just four months, earning it the nickname "A Splendid Little War."
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Treaty of Paris (1898) and Results
The Treaty of Paris (December 1898) formally ended the Spanish-American War and had lasting global consequences.
| Territory | Outcome |
| Cuba | Became independent, but the U.S. maintained influence through the Platt Amendment, allowing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs. |
| Puerto Rico | Became a U.S. territory, remaining under American control to this day. |
| Guam | Became a U.S. territory, serving as a strategic military base in the Pacific. |
| Philippines | Purchased by the U.S. from Spain for $20 million, but led to a Filipino rebellion against American rule. |
Impact of the War
- The U.S. Emerged as a Global Power – The acquisition of overseas territories strengthened American influence and global reach.
- Imperialist vs. Anti-Imperialist Debate – Some Americans supported territorial expansion, while others (like the Anti-Imperialist League) argued against ruling over foreign populations.
- Path to the Panama Canal – Control of Caribbean and Pacific territories encouraged the U.S. to construct the Panama Canal to improve naval mobility and trade routes.
Key Figures
| Name | Role |
| William McKinley | U.S. President during the war, responsible for overseeing territorial expansion. |
| Theodore Roosevelt | Leader of the Rough Riders, later became U.S. President and pursued aggressive foreign policies. |
| George Dewey | U.S. Admiral who led the decisive victory at Manila Bay. |
| Emilio Aguinaldo | Filipino leader who initially allied with the U.S. but later fought against American rule. |
Aids & Key Strategies
- "Remember the Maine! To Hell with Spain!" – A rallying cry that fueled war enthusiasm.
- M.A.I.N. Acronym for Causes:
- M – Maine Explosion
- A – American Expansionism
- I – Independence for Cuba
- N – Newspapers (Yellow Journalism)
- PPG+C for Treaty of Paris (1898) – Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam + Cuba.
By understanding these core concepts, students will gain a comprehensive grasp of the Spanish-American War and be well-prepared for quizzes and discussions on this transformative event in U.S. history.
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