Transcript Chapter 22
Chapter 22 Section 2 The Spanish-American War American Interests in Cuba • Spanish power was crumbling; few colonies remained; Philippine Islands, Caribbean islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. • Cubans revolted against Spain. • Spain treated rebels harshly. Cubans forced from homes thousands die of starvation +disease Jose Marti • Fought for Cuban independence Think about this quote….what is it saying? “ Cuba’s children……suffer in indescribable bitterness as they see their fertile nation enchained and also their human dignity stifled……all for the necessities and vices of the Spanish Monarchy”-Jose Marti quoted in Jose Marti,Mentor of the Cuban Nation • Americans were alarmed by Spain’s brutality; businesses were concerned about disruption of U.S. trade. • N.Y. World (Pulitzer) N.Y.Journal (Hearst) competed for readers by exaggerating Cuban horror stories in the newspapers. • Yellow journalism – sensationalized (dramatized) style of writing. Steps to War • American opinion forced President McKinley to take action. (1898) • Sent U.S.S. Maine to Havana, Cuba to protect U.S. citizens. • Feb. 15th – the ship randomly exploded and sank. • “Remember the Maine” became a call to arms. • Congressional resolution called for Cuba’s independence; Spain cut off diplomatic relations. On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, even though there was no evidence that Spain attacked the Maine. The slogan of the war? “Remember the Maine!” The Battles for the Philippines and Cuba • 1st battle of the Spanish-American War in the Philippines. • Commodore George Dewey with support of Filipino rebel Emilio Aguinaldo destroyed the Spanish fleet in 7 hours. • Dewey an instant hero; “Dewey’s Chewies” (gum) The War in the Caribbean • Theodore Roosevelt organized the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry; Rough Riders. • Diverse group of men; cowboys, miners, college students, policemen, athletes, Native Americans. • Captured San Juan Hill, Cuba to gain control of Santiago’s port. This was a quick victory for the United States. • Treaty of Paris (1898) – gave U.S. control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines. Theodore Roosevelt *popular man *elected to public positions * Became Vice President * President McKinley was assassinated in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President of the United States. • President Roosevelt steered the United States more actively into world politics. He liked to quote a favorite proverb, "Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.” The New American Empire • Philippines did not want to be a U.S colony and rebelled with Aguinaldo; not put down until 1902. (independent 1946) • Cuba was forced to add the Platt Amendment to its constitution; U.S. could intervene anytime there was a threat to “life,property, and individual liberty.” (terminated 1936) • Puerto Rico became an American territory. • Anti-Imperialist League was formed, but not supported by the American people.(Carnegie,Adams,Gompers)