3+Spanish-American+War

Home

War and Conflict

Wars

Timelines

America sympathized with Cuba under Spanish rule, being fueled by the substantial losses in American investment there in Cuba and “yellow press” which misrepresented and over-exaggerated the happening in Cuba. The United States being involved became of great importance from the 1870’s through 1898.

Although the American’s felt for the Cubans and wanted to help, many did not wish to go to war, as did President McKinley. A sequence of events occurred that severely altered those feelings. First, the “de Lome” letter was published. This letter was written by the Spanish minister, deeply insulting our President. Then came the spark that began the Spanish-American War: the United States battleship, Maine, was sunk in Havana harbor in 1898 leaving about 260 American men dead. Although now we know that Spain was not responsible for the sinking, at the time it was thoroughly believed by the American people that they were at fault. On April 25, the United States Congress declared a state of war between US and Spain. In this case, obviously the two major players were the United States and Spain.

The Battle of Manila Bay was a major event of the Spanish-American War. A little before dawn, seven U.S. Navy cruisers and gunboats were sent into Manila Bay. Almost the whole Spanish naval force that was in the Philippines was discovered and demolished before 8am. The United States had no deaths during this battle, and the damage done to our ships were insignificant. This battle ensured that the Spanish Navy could pose no threat to us. This also loosened the grip that Spain had over the Philippines. During this time, the United States also captured Cavite arsenal, giving us a place to repair our ships and refuel them which was a great advantage while far away from home.

On August 12, 1898, a Protocol of Peace was signed in Washington between the United States and Spain. The actual “peace treaty” was signed in Paris later that year on December 10 th. Because they were defeated in Cuba and the Philippines, the United States gained practically al of Spain’s colonies through the treaty. These colonies included the Philippines, Guam, Cuba and Puerto Rico. The Spanish-American War was America’s first real experience in world affairs, leading the way to us playing a major role in many conflicts around the globe. Also, it helped take Spain’s title as an imperial empire. Although the war, in affect, helped Spain’s economy. Spaniards from around the world went back to the peninsula to invest their money in their home country. This helped boost industrial sectors in Spain, and also electrical and financial industries. his war actually brought America together, giving the North and South a common rival to rally against. This was one of the first stepping stones to reuniting America as a whole again.


 * __Podcast__**

media type="file" key="SAW - danai karissa.m4a"