7.3 The Spanish-American War
7 min read•december 27, 2022
Robby May
Caleb Lagerwey
Robby May
Caleb Lagerwey
Introduction
In the 1890s, American public opinion was being swept by a growing wave of – an intense form of nationalism calling for an aggressive foreign policy. As nationalism grew and European powers quickly engaged in , Americans wanted a piece of the pie. While Europeans focused their efforts on Africa and East Asia, the majority of American took place in the Caribbean, South America, and Polynesia. US began formally following the , a war in which the United States founded much of its overseas empire. This guide will go over the causes of the and the outcomes that eventually led to growth in American foreign policy.
The Cuban Revolt
Because the US saw Latin America and the Caribbean as its zone of authority (, anyone?), the US was growing increasingly uneasy about the Cuban rebellion against the Spanish. was close to Florida and a frequent target of covetous businessmen who envied its agricultural production of sugar and other tropical crops.
A Cuban rebellion formed against the Spanish, which began to sabotage and laying waste to Cuban plantations. They used a hit and run scorched earth policy to force the Spanish to leave. They hoped to either force Spain’s withdrawal or pull in the US as an ally. In response, Spain sent autocratic General Valeriano Wyler and over troops to crush the revolt. , also known as "The Butcher," was a Spanish military officer and politician who served as the Governor-General of from 1896 to 1898. He is infamous for his brutal tactics during the Cuban War of Independence, including his policy of reconcentration, in which he forcibly relocated Cuban civilians into camps in an effort to quell the rebellion. Weyler's actions were widely criticized and were used as propaganda by yellow journalists in the United States to drum up support for the .
He was relentless and brutal. He gave the rebels 10 days to lay down their arms.He then put into effect a “Reconcentration” policy designed to move the native people into camps. In these areas, Cubans died by the thousands, victims of unsanitary conditions, overcrowding and disease. He forced civilians into armed camps, where tens of thousands died of starvation and disease, and gained him the title of “The Butcher” in the American press.
Valeriano "The Butcher" Weyler
Yellow Journalism
To keep an eye on the Spanish, President sent the battleship USS Maine to Havana harbor (’s capital city). While it was docked there, it blew up during the night. Although investigations decades later suggest it was likely an accident, the US blamed Spain, aided by war fever whipped up by , which refers to the use of exaggerated or falsified news stories aimed at increasing circulation of newspapers. was often associated with the newspaper wars between Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia
The US war cry was “Remember the Maine; to hell with Spain!” Pro-imperialists like also cried for war, citing the Maine incident as an excuse to pursue the agenda they’d wanted all along. "Blame the Maine on Spain!" was another popular rallying cry.
The DeLome Letter
The was a significant event in the lead up to the . It was a private letter written by , the Spanish ambassador to the United States, to a friend in which he referred to President as "weak" and "a would-be politician." The letter was stolen and published in the New York Journal on February 9, 1898, causing outrage among Americans. The letter became a rallying point for those who favored going to war with Spain and further fueled tensions between the two countries. Ultimately, the publication of the played a role in the United States' decision to declare war on Spain in April 1898.
The De Lome Letter
McKinley Declares War
Following the sinking of the Maine, McKinley issued an ultimatum to Spain demanding that it agree to a ceasefire in . Spain agreed to this demand, but US newspapers and a majority in Congress kept clamoring for war.
McKinley yielded to public pressure and sent a war message to Congress. He offered four reasons for the US to intervene in the Cuban revolution on behalf of the rebels.
Put an end of the starvation and horrible miseries in
Protect the lives and property of US citizens living in
End the serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of the American people.
End the constant menace of peace arising from disorder in .
On April 25, 1898, McKinley formally declared war against Spain, beginning the Spanish American War.
Teller Amendment
Responding to the president's message, Congress passed a joint resolution on April 20 authorizing war. Part of the resolution was the Teller Amendment, which declared that the US had no intention of taking political control of and that, once peace was restored to the island, the Cuban people would control their own government. The Teller Amendment was modified by the Platt Amendment, which stipulated conditions under which the US would leave . It also permitted extensive U.S. involvement in Cuban international and domestic affairs for the enforcement of Cuban independence.
A political comic extolling US imperialism following the Spanish-American War.
The Aftermath
The US then took over a few islands in the Pacific and Caribbean, the most notable being the Philippines, , , and . The US also took over for good measure since it was a source of sugar, pineapple, and another coaling station on the way to the Philippines. The Philippines themselves were a handy coaling station and stop on the way to China, a potentially huge market into which US producers were eager to get involved.
The Filipino nationalists that had partnered with the US to defeat the Spanish wanted independence, but the US (super patronizingly) didn’t think they were ready for self-rule, and pretty soon fighting broke out. The officially lasted until 1902 and took the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians on both sides.
The Filipinos used guerilla tactics to resist the better-equipped US military, so the US responded with horrific tactics including a early version of water-boarding and anti-civilians measures that killed upwards of 200,000 people. It was a nasty war that showcased the worst downsides of US . (Think overseas Indian wars)
Once the US had control over and the Philippines, it became increasingly active in Asia, including engaging with China through helping other European powers put down the anti-Western in 1899. The US also supported the so-called Open Door policy in China so that countries like the US were free to trade with China without interference from European powers.
Diplomacy of the Period
In the Caribbean and Latin America, the US began to assert its dominance much more heavily after the war. When was president--1901-1909--he came up with the , which stated that not only should Europe stay out of the Western Hemisphere, but also that the US had the right to intervene if countries misbehaved as a way to prevent European intervention from becoming necessary.
A group of Japanese investors wanted to buy a large part of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, extending south of California. Fearing that the Japanese government was scheming to secretly acquire the land, Lodge introduced, and the Senate agreed in 1912, a resolution known as the Lodge Corollary to the . It stated that non-European powers (such as Japan) would be excluded from owning territory in the Western Hemisphere.
President’s Foreign Policy
Roosevelt’s | Teddy Roosevelt had once said that is was his motto to “speak softly and carry a big stick”. He built the reputation of the US as a world power and imperialists applauded his every move. |
Taft’s | Taft depended more on investors’ dollars than on the navy’s battleships. His policy of promoting US trade by supporting American enterprises abroad was known as . |
Wilson’s | Wilson pushed for a moral approach to foreign affairs. He opposed and the big stick and policies of his Republican predecessors. Wilson believed in a principled, ethical world where militarism, colonialism and war were brought under control. |
Key Terms to Review (27)
Big Stick Diplomacy
: This is a form of diplomacy or foreign policy that emphasizes the use of power, particularly military force, as a means to achieve national objectives. It was popularized by President Theodore Roosevelt.Boxer Rebellion
: The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was an anti-imperialist uprising in China against foreign influence in areas such as trade, politics, religion and technology.Cuba
: Cuba is an island country located south of Florida. In AP US History context, it's significant due to its role during Spanish-American War when U.S helped Cuba gain independence from Spain and later established significant political and economic control over it.Cuban Revolt
: The Cuban Revolt, also known as the Ten Years' War (1868-1878), was a major uprising by Cubans against Spanish colonial rule in Cuba. It marked the beginning of a series of conflicts that eventually led to Cuba's independence.De Lome Letter
: The De Lome Letter was a private correspondence written by Enrique Dupuy de Lôme criticizing President McKinley that was intercepted and published in US newspapers in 1898. It contributed to the start of the Spanish-American War.Dollar Diplomacy
: Dollar diplomacy refers to a form of diplomacy initiated by U.S. President William Howard Taft and his secretary of state, Philander C. Knox, which aims at furthering its aims in Latin America and East Asia through use of its economic power by guaranteeing loans made to foreign countries.Enrique Dupuy de Lome
: Enrique Dupuy de Lôme was a Spanish ambassador to the United States. He is best known for his private letter that criticized President McKinley, which was intercepted and published leading to the Spanish-American War.Filipino-American War
: The Filipino-American War (1899-1902) was an armed conflict between the First Philippine Republic and the United States following America's acquisition of Spain's Pacific possessions after winning Spanish-American War.Guam
: Guam is a U.S. territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War in 1898.Hawaii
: An archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean that became an official U.S. territory in 1898 following annexation and later achieved statehood in 1959.Imperialism
: Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power and influence over other countries, either by force or the establishment of economic and political dominance.Jingoism
: Jingoism is an extreme form of patriotism that often involves aggressive foreign policy and promotes warlike behavior towards other nations.Joseph Pulitzer's New York World
: The New York World was a newspaper published by Joseph Pulitzer from 1883-1931. It was known for its sensational journalism or "yellow journalism," which emphasized dramatic stories to attract readers.Lodge Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
: Proposed by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge in 1912, this was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating that non-European powers (specifically Japan) would be excluded from owning territory in the Western Hemisphere.Monroe Doctrine
: The Monroe Doctrine was an American policy set forth in 1823 that discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.Moral Diplomacy
: Moral diplomacy is a form of diplomacy proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson in his 1912 election. The policy reflects American ideals, as it emphasizes democracy and human rights as key objectives in U.S. foreign policy.Open Door policy in China
: The Open Door policy was a diplomatic initiative proposed by the United States in 1899 to promote equal commercial and industrial rights for all foreign nations in China and respect for Chinese territorial integrity.Puerto Rico
: An island located in the Caribbean Sea, it became a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War in 1898.Reconcentration Policy
: The Reconcentration Policy was a strategy used by the Spanish in Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898). It involved moving large numbers of people into concentration camps to prevent them from supporting rebels.Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
: This is an addition made by President Theodore Roosevelt to the Monroe Doctrine in 1904. It stated that not only were European powers not allowed to colonize any more American territories but also that if they tried to interfere with Latin American countries due to unpaid debts or other issues, then US would intervene on behalf of these countries.Spanish-American War
: The Spanish-American War was an 1898 conflict between Spain and America resulting from American intervention in Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain.Theodore Roosevelt
: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909) known for his progressive policies, including conservation efforts and trust-busting.USS Maine
: The USS Maine was a United States Navy ship that sank in Havana Harbor during the Cuban revolt against Spain, an event that became a major political issue in the United States and helped precipitate the Spanish-American War.Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau
: Valeriano Weyler was a Spanish general who served as Governor-General of Cuba during the Cuban Revolt. He is infamous for his harsh policies, including reconcentration camps that led to high civilian deaths.William McKinley
: William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. He led the nation during the Spanish-American War and supported high tariffs to protect American businesses.William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal
: The New York Journal, owned by William Randolph Hearst, was a newspaper known for its sensationalist and often exaggerated news stories to attract readers, contributing to the start of the Spanish-American War.Yellow Journalism
: Yellow Journalism refers to sensationalist journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales. Techniques may include exaggerations, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.7.3 The Spanish-American War
7 min read•december 27, 2022
Robby May
Caleb Lagerwey
Robby May
Caleb Lagerwey
Introduction
In the 1890s, American public opinion was being swept by a growing wave of – an intense form of nationalism calling for an aggressive foreign policy. As nationalism grew and European powers quickly engaged in , Americans wanted a piece of the pie. While Europeans focused their efforts on Africa and East Asia, the majority of American took place in the Caribbean, South America, and Polynesia. US began formally following the , a war in which the United States founded much of its overseas empire. This guide will go over the causes of the and the outcomes that eventually led to growth in American foreign policy.
The Cuban Revolt
Because the US saw Latin America and the Caribbean as its zone of authority (, anyone?), the US was growing increasingly uneasy about the Cuban rebellion against the Spanish. was close to Florida and a frequent target of covetous businessmen who envied its agricultural production of sugar and other tropical crops.
A Cuban rebellion formed against the Spanish, which began to sabotage and laying waste to Cuban plantations. They used a hit and run scorched earth policy to force the Spanish to leave. They hoped to either force Spain’s withdrawal or pull in the US as an ally. In response, Spain sent autocratic General Valeriano Wyler and over troops to crush the revolt. , also known as "The Butcher," was a Spanish military officer and politician who served as the Governor-General of from 1896 to 1898. He is infamous for his brutal tactics during the Cuban War of Independence, including his policy of reconcentration, in which he forcibly relocated Cuban civilians into camps in an effort to quell the rebellion. Weyler's actions were widely criticized and were used as propaganda by yellow journalists in the United States to drum up support for the .
He was relentless and brutal. He gave the rebels 10 days to lay down their arms.He then put into effect a “Reconcentration” policy designed to move the native people into camps. In these areas, Cubans died by the thousands, victims of unsanitary conditions, overcrowding and disease. He forced civilians into armed camps, where tens of thousands died of starvation and disease, and gained him the title of “The Butcher” in the American press.
Valeriano "The Butcher" Weyler
Yellow Journalism
To keep an eye on the Spanish, President sent the battleship USS Maine to Havana harbor (’s capital city). While it was docked there, it blew up during the night. Although investigations decades later suggest it was likely an accident, the US blamed Spain, aided by war fever whipped up by , which refers to the use of exaggerated or falsified news stories aimed at increasing circulation of newspapers. was often associated with the newspaper wars between Joseph Pulitzer's New York World and William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia
The US war cry was “Remember the Maine; to hell with Spain!” Pro-imperialists like also cried for war, citing the Maine incident as an excuse to pursue the agenda they’d wanted all along. "Blame the Maine on Spain!" was another popular rallying cry.
The DeLome Letter
The was a significant event in the lead up to the . It was a private letter written by , the Spanish ambassador to the United States, to a friend in which he referred to President as "weak" and "a would-be politician." The letter was stolen and published in the New York Journal on February 9, 1898, causing outrage among Americans. The letter became a rallying point for those who favored going to war with Spain and further fueled tensions between the two countries. Ultimately, the publication of the played a role in the United States' decision to declare war on Spain in April 1898.
The De Lome Letter
McKinley Declares War
Following the sinking of the Maine, McKinley issued an ultimatum to Spain demanding that it agree to a ceasefire in . Spain agreed to this demand, but US newspapers and a majority in Congress kept clamoring for war.
McKinley yielded to public pressure and sent a war message to Congress. He offered four reasons for the US to intervene in the Cuban revolution on behalf of the rebels.
Put an end of the starvation and horrible miseries in
Protect the lives and property of US citizens living in
End the serious injury to the commerce, trade, and business of the American people.
End the constant menace of peace arising from disorder in .
On April 25, 1898, McKinley formally declared war against Spain, beginning the Spanish American War.
Teller Amendment
Responding to the president's message, Congress passed a joint resolution on April 20 authorizing war. Part of the resolution was the Teller Amendment, which declared that the US had no intention of taking political control of and that, once peace was restored to the island, the Cuban people would control their own government. The Teller Amendment was modified by the Platt Amendment, which stipulated conditions under which the US would leave . It also permitted extensive U.S. involvement in Cuban international and domestic affairs for the enforcement of Cuban independence.
A political comic extolling US imperialism following the Spanish-American War.
The Aftermath
The US then took over a few islands in the Pacific and Caribbean, the most notable being the Philippines, , , and . The US also took over for good measure since it was a source of sugar, pineapple, and another coaling station on the way to the Philippines. The Philippines themselves were a handy coaling station and stop on the way to China, a potentially huge market into which US producers were eager to get involved.
The Filipino nationalists that had partnered with the US to defeat the Spanish wanted independence, but the US (super patronizingly) didn’t think they were ready for self-rule, and pretty soon fighting broke out. The officially lasted until 1902 and took the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians on both sides.
The Filipinos used guerilla tactics to resist the better-equipped US military, so the US responded with horrific tactics including a early version of water-boarding and anti-civilians measures that killed upwards of 200,000 people. It was a nasty war that showcased the worst downsides of US . (Think overseas Indian wars)
Once the US had control over and the Philippines, it became increasingly active in Asia, including engaging with China through helping other European powers put down the anti-Western in 1899. The US also supported the so-called Open Door policy in China so that countries like the US were free to trade with China without interference from European powers.
Diplomacy of the Period
In the Caribbean and Latin America, the US began to assert its dominance much more heavily after the war. When was president--1901-1909--he came up with the , which stated that not only should Europe stay out of the Western Hemisphere, but also that the US had the right to intervene if countries misbehaved as a way to prevent European intervention from becoming necessary.
A group of Japanese investors wanted to buy a large part of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, extending south of California. Fearing that the Japanese government was scheming to secretly acquire the land, Lodge introduced, and the Senate agreed in 1912, a resolution known as the Lodge Corollary to the . It stated that non-European powers (such as Japan) would be excluded from owning territory in the Western Hemisphere.
President’s Foreign Policy
Roosevelt’s | Teddy Roosevelt had once said that is was his motto to “speak softly and carry a big stick”. He built the reputation of the US as a world power and imperialists applauded his every move. |
Taft’s | Taft depended more on investors’ dollars than on the navy’s battleships. His policy of promoting US trade by supporting American enterprises abroad was known as . |
Wilson’s | Wilson pushed for a moral approach to foreign affairs. He opposed and the big stick and policies of his Republican predecessors. Wilson believed in a principled, ethical world where militarism, colonialism and war were brought under control. |
Key Terms to Review (27)
Big Stick Diplomacy
: This is a form of diplomacy or foreign policy that emphasizes the use of power, particularly military force, as a means to achieve national objectives. It was popularized by President Theodore Roosevelt.Boxer Rebellion
: The Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901) was an anti-imperialist uprising in China against foreign influence in areas such as trade, politics, religion and technology.Cuba
: Cuba is an island country located south of Florida. In AP US History context, it's significant due to its role during Spanish-American War when U.S helped Cuba gain independence from Spain and later established significant political and economic control over it.Cuban Revolt
: The Cuban Revolt, also known as the Ten Years' War (1868-1878), was a major uprising by Cubans against Spanish colonial rule in Cuba. It marked the beginning of a series of conflicts that eventually led to Cuba's independence.De Lome Letter
: The De Lome Letter was a private correspondence written by Enrique Dupuy de Lôme criticizing President McKinley that was intercepted and published in US newspapers in 1898. It contributed to the start of the Spanish-American War.Dollar Diplomacy
: Dollar diplomacy refers to a form of diplomacy initiated by U.S. President William Howard Taft and his secretary of state, Philander C. Knox, which aims at furthering its aims in Latin America and East Asia through use of its economic power by guaranteeing loans made to foreign countries.Enrique Dupuy de Lome
: Enrique Dupuy de Lôme was a Spanish ambassador to the United States. He is best known for his private letter that criticized President McKinley, which was intercepted and published leading to the Spanish-American War.Filipino-American War
: The Filipino-American War (1899-1902) was an armed conflict between the First Philippine Republic and the United States following America's acquisition of Spain's Pacific possessions after winning Spanish-American War.Guam
: Guam is a U.S. territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, acquired from Spain after the Spanish-American War in 1898.Hawaii
: An archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean that became an official U.S. territory in 1898 following annexation and later achieved statehood in 1959.Imperialism
: Imperialism is a policy or ideology by which a nation extends its power and influence over other countries, either by force or the establishment of economic and political dominance.Jingoism
: Jingoism is an extreme form of patriotism that often involves aggressive foreign policy and promotes warlike behavior towards other nations.Joseph Pulitzer's New York World
: The New York World was a newspaper published by Joseph Pulitzer from 1883-1931. It was known for its sensational journalism or "yellow journalism," which emphasized dramatic stories to attract readers.Lodge Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
: Proposed by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge in 1912, this was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine stating that non-European powers (specifically Japan) would be excluded from owning territory in the Western Hemisphere.Monroe Doctrine
: The Monroe Doctrine was an American policy set forth in 1823 that discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.Moral Diplomacy
: Moral diplomacy is a form of diplomacy proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson in his 1912 election. The policy reflects American ideals, as it emphasizes democracy and human rights as key objectives in U.S. foreign policy.Open Door policy in China
: The Open Door policy was a diplomatic initiative proposed by the United States in 1899 to promote equal commercial and industrial rights for all foreign nations in China and respect for Chinese territorial integrity.Puerto Rico
: An island located in the Caribbean Sea, it became a U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War in 1898.Reconcentration Policy
: The Reconcentration Policy was a strategy used by the Spanish in Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898). It involved moving large numbers of people into concentration camps to prevent them from supporting rebels.Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine
: This is an addition made by President Theodore Roosevelt to the Monroe Doctrine in 1904. It stated that not only were European powers not allowed to colonize any more American territories but also that if they tried to interfere with Latin American countries due to unpaid debts or other issues, then US would intervene on behalf of these countries.Spanish-American War
: The Spanish-American War was an 1898 conflict between Spain and America resulting from American intervention in Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain.Theodore Roosevelt
: Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States (1901-1909) known for his progressive policies, including conservation efforts and trust-busting.USS Maine
: The USS Maine was a United States Navy ship that sank in Havana Harbor during the Cuban revolt against Spain, an event that became a major political issue in the United States and helped precipitate the Spanish-American War.Valeriano Weyler y Nicolau
: Valeriano Weyler was a Spanish general who served as Governor-General of Cuba during the Cuban Revolt. He is infamous for his harsh policies, including reconcentration camps that led to high civilian deaths.William McKinley
: William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. He led the nation during the Spanish-American War and supported high tariffs to protect American businesses.William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal
: The New York Journal, owned by William Randolph Hearst, was a newspaper known for its sensationalist and often exaggerated news stories to attract readers, contributing to the start of the Spanish-American War.Yellow Journalism
: Yellow Journalism refers to sensationalist journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news while instead using eye-catching headlines for increased sales. Techniques may include exaggerations, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.