Lesson 2: The Spanish-American War

Lesson Focus

America's attention turned to Cuba's struggle against Spain. This lesson explores the mix of humanitarian concern and imperial ambition that drew the United States into war, forever altering its role on the world stage.

People to Know

Theodore Roosevelt

Learning Objectives

• Identify key events, including yellow journalism and the sinking of the USS Maine, that led America into the Spanish-American War.
• Understand why the war quickly expanded to the Philippines and the strategic goals behind U.S. naval actions there.

Spain's harsh rule, particularly General Weyler's brutal reconcentration camps, caused immense suffering and the death of 200,000 Cubans.
This humanitarian crisis captured American attention, stirring sympathy for the Cuban struggle for independence.
Although President Cleveland and some business owners initially favored neutrality, the force of public opinion created growing pressure for the United States to abandon its policy of "patient waiting" and intervene on behalf of the oppressed Cuban people.

Newspaper owners William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer sought to increase sales and stir public emotion against Spain.
They used "yellow journalism" to publish exaggerated and often fabricated stories of Spanish atrocities in Cuba. The publication of the de Lôme letter, which insulted President McKinley, further fueled national outrage.
This intense media campaign created a powerful anti-Spain sentiment, making a peaceful resolution nearly impossible and pushing the nation decisively toward war.

On February 15, 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana harbor, killing 260 American sailors.
Although the cause was unproven, the "yellow press" immediately blamed Spain, and "Remember the Maine!" became a powerful national battle cry.
In response to public fury, Congress demanded Spain grant Cuba independence. When Spain did not comply, Congress declared war on April 25, with the Teller Amendment pledging to leave Cuba to its people.

Expansionists like Assistant Navy Secretary Theodore Roosevelt saw the war as an opportunity to seize Spanish colonies.
On his own authority, Roosevelt ordered Commodore George Dewey to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippines if war broke out. Following this order, Dewey sailed to Manila Bay and destroyed the Spanish navy on May 1, 1898.
The U.S. also aided Filipino rebel Emilio Aguinaldo, leading to an American occupation and an uncertain future for the islands.

The U.S. Army, including Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders and the all-black 10th Cavalry Regiment, invaded Cuba despite being poorly equipped.
They captured Santiago by charging up San Juan Hill, a key strategic victory. At sea, Admiral William T. Sampson's squadron destroyed Admiral Pascual Cervera's fleet as it tried to escape Santiago's harbor.
This complete military defeat forced Spain to surrender, ending the "splendid little war" on August 12, 1898.