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The Spanish-American War. Ch. 17 Section 2. Spanish-American War. Cuba had long been a Spanish Colony Spain exploited the land for its ability to produce sugar Through the mid 1800’s, -> 1/3 of Cubans were slaves 1/3 of world’s sugar supply came from Cuba. Cuba Declares Independence.
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The Spanish-American War Ch. 17 Section 2
Spanish-American War • Cuba had long been a Spanish Colony • Spain exploited the land for its ability to produce sugar • Through the mid 1800’s, -> 1/3 of Cubans were slaves • 1/3 of world’s sugar supply came from Cuba
Cuba Declares Independence • In 1868, Cuban rebels declared their independence • Spain says they will not allow them to • U.S. wanted to make sure its interests were protected in Cuba (RR’S, mines, & sugar plantations) • Pres. Cleveland wanted to remain neutral • Because of yellow journalism most Americans sided with/ supported the Cubans
U.S. Involvement in Spanish American War • In 1897, new president, McKinley, didn’t want to intervene as well • Thought it would cost too many American lives & hurt our economy • McKinley warned of American involvement if the war didn’t end soon • In Jan. 1898, in order to protect American interests & American citizens in Cuba • McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine to Havana • A month later it exploded in Havana harbor • U.S. Navy and Marine Corps suffered 267 casualties
U.S. Involvement in Spanish American War • Most Americans, as well as the media/press believed Spain to be responsible for the Maine • Demanded U.S. retaliation • In April 1898, McKinley & Congress declared war on Spain • U.S. had superior navy (important because Cuba is an island) • U.S. blockades Cuba-> doesn’t allow reinforcements/supplies
A War on Two Fronts • U.S. sends ships to take control of Spanish possessed Philippines and Guam (easily taken on the way to Philippines) • Many Filipinos thought U.S. were there to help them when American troops kicked the Spanish out of the capital of Manila (they were wrong)
A War on Two Fronts • In Cuba, the Rough Riders, co-led by Theodore Roosevelt (w/ Colonel Leonard Wood), helped take San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill • 2 most important American victories in Cuba • U.S. navy destroyed all of the Spanish fleet as they fled Santiago Harbor • In December 1898, Spain and U.S. sign Treaty of Paris • Gave U.S.: Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines
What to do with the Philippines? • Grant autonomy= allow them to rule/govern themselves OR annex/take over the islands • Arguments for Annexing: • Good for U.S. economy=another market for U.S. goods • Good for U.S. military=would make for good naval base in the Pacific • It’s our duty to civilize “them” & teach them how to live “properly”
What to do with the Philippines? • Arguments against annexing: • No economic benefits=maintaining the islands would be costly • Cheap Filipino labor would drive down American Wages • Imperialism is un-American (famous anti-imperialists=Andrew Carnegie, Jane Addams, Mark Twain)
Answer the Following: • What was McKinley’s decision regarding the Philippines? • How did Filipinos view Americans? Why?
Result of the Spanish-American War • Secretary of State John Hay called the S-A-W "a splendid little war“ • United States emerged from the conflict as a world power • Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, Philippines, several Samoan Islands and Wake Island was acquired • U.S. had become a major military power with a two-ocean navy.
