2+Spanish-American+War

**Before the War; The Causes**
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 * Spanish rule over Cuba in the mid to late 1800's was bringing disagreements and unfair treatment to the Cubans. Promises were made to America by the Spaniards to ensure stability and peace in the country but these promises were proving to be lightly kept. This was the overall cause of the war.
 * As issues started becoming more controversial with Cuban citizens and rebellions against the Spanish rule, America sent the //USS Maine// ship over to the docks of Havana Harbor in Cuba to have some US military on ground attempting to prevent mistreatment.
 * A few weeks after the USS Maine was docked at the Havana Harbor, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish Minister with the Portfolio of Cuba, wrote a letter directly insulting the President of the US, McKinley. De Lome referred to McKinley as "a low politician... weak and catering to the rabble... who desires to leave a door open to me and to stand well with jingoes of his party."
 * William R. Hearst, a writer and newspaper publisher, published this letter in the Journal on February 8th 1898 with intentions of creating a big impact throughout the country. Naturally, emotionally-charged excitement roared through the US.
 * "Yellow journalism is a type of journalism that downplays legitimate news in favor of eye-catching headlines that sell more newspapers." Many examples of yellow journalism took place as issues started growing more with Cuba through the years. The articles were written in a way that sheds a huge negative light on Spaniards. The published biased headlines and articles were apparent in the newspapers leading up to the start of the war but in February 1898 the biggest example of yellow journalism was published all over the world. These articles caused specific sparks in the heightening of American citizens and governmental figures, which then led to the war.
 * Not long after the de Lô me letter was published, on the evening of February 15th, 1898 an explosion in Havana Harbor caused the sinking of the //USS Maine// and 268 US sailors were killed. This was a specific spark for the start of the Spanish American War.
 * William R. Hearst jumped right on the event and wrote a famous article about the sinking of the //USS// //Maine//, shedding a huge negative light on Cuban government and the Spaniards overall. It was an over-dramatic case of yellow journalism. His accusations and highly persuasive words and style of writing drew American citizens in. There were slight suspicions the explosion was caused by a Cuban or Spanish mine. No facts or evidence were uncovered but Hearst wrote the article as if the explosion was the devilish doing of an outside Spanish government, an attack on our military. After reading the article American citizens were even more outraged and terrified and started strongly supporting the idea of war with the Spanish. These articles and the press' involvement was one of the main causes of the Spanish American war.
 * "You furnish the pictures, I'll furnish the war." William R. Hearst was quoted saying this line about his articles and newspaper.
 * After the sinking of the ship, US government started making plans and 'talking war' with the Spanish. The assistant secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt, spoke with President McKinley suggesting his plan that if war breaks out with Spain, US military should attack Philippines.
 * After discussions and many plans, McKinley approved war on Spain. By April 25, 1898 both the US and Spain had declared war on each other.

Major Players:

 * Spaniards vs. Americans

**Battles and Other Events During the War**

 * On May 1, 1898 the Navy followed Theodore Roosevelt's plan and made an attack on Manilla Bay in the Philippines. Lead by Commander of the Pacific Fleet, George Dewey, the battle ended with 381 men lost in the Spanish force and only 8 wounded under the command of Dewey. This battle was important because it demonstrated America's strength and domination. In fact, the military and other governmental figures in America never really had any doubt the the US would lose the war. Later on, John Milton Hay the Secretary of State referred to the Spanish American war as "A splendid little war."
 * Later on in May 1898, the US congress passed the Teller Amendment promising that America would not annex Cuba but rather remain in control of the government and people. This amendment was a response to President McKinley's War Message. He requested permission to have the US military in Cuba because he believed that was the best way to start building a strong government and help restore peace and tranquility within Cuba.
 * On July 1 1898, a battle at San Juan Heights and Kettle Hill took place. The Rough Riders, lead by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, made a huge impact on this particular day. The battle began and many US soldiers were being defeated. The Spaniards had many more troops than US had predicted. Both sides were fighting until the knife and a great portion of soldiers were lost on both sides. Colonel Roosevelt took action and lead the Rough Riders up the hill with much enthusiasm. The original commanding officer stepped aside as Roosevelt declared himself in charge. His exuberance and integrity motivated the troops to charge up the hill and take the win for the battle. Within a couple of hours, US troops took the hill and San Juan Heights. They ended the battle with a win.
 * Two days later, on July 3 1898, another battle took place. The naval battle, named Battle of Santiago de Cuba, resulted in the destruction of the Spanish Fleet and many other damages. The superior firearms on the US Navy battle ships left six Spanish controlled ships in burning wrecks. This was a significant win for American military.
 * On July 7, President McKinley signed the annexation of the island Republic of Hawaii. The Republic of Hawaii was an ally with America during the Spanish-American war. The President proposed the annexation nearing the end of the war and when the significant victories by the US military were heard of the joint resolution was sure to pass. McKinley signed the annexation the following day.
 * After the annexation of Hawaii, General William Shafter started to siege the city of Santiago, Cuba. As troops started letting out fire and bombing the city Spanish General Toral proposed the city would surrender to Shafter as long as the Spanish troops could move to a different city. Shafter did not accept this proposal because time was running short. Disease was beginning to spread quickly through the US troops. American troops continued to bomb the city. A rather quick surrender was made on July 17th by Toral. Over 30,000 troops were surrendered to the US along with Guantanamo City and San Luis.

The End of the War

 * With the defeat of Santiago, the Spaniards surrendered. An armistice was signed on July 17, 1898 by the Spanish. This gave the US the cession of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the city of Manilla in the Philippines until a pending treaty was ready to be negotiated and signed.
 * A few months later, on December 10 1898 the treaty of Paris was signed. After negotiating the US annexed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
 * A total of 270,000 American men fought, 5,462 died but only 379 of them died at war, and a total of 1,704 of them were injured.
 * 90% of the American soldiers died because of yellow fever, typhoid fever and other diseases
 * After the war was over America worked with Cuba towards their independence (completed in 1902).

[] [] [] [] Chronology: [] []

Shannon-http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/2-Spanish-American-War

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