Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. The war marked a turning point for U.S. foreign policy, as it resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global power and acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Sensationalist journalism and yellow journalism played significant roles in swaying public opinion and pushing the U.S. towards war, while the advent of news agencies and wire services transformed how the war was reported to the public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spanish-American War began in April 1898 and lasted only a few months, ending with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in December 1898.
2. One of the key factors leading to the war was the explosion of the USS Maine, which was blamed on Spain by sensationalist newspapers, even though the cause remains uncertain.
3. The war resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking a shift toward imperialism.
4. The conflict spurred the growth of yellow journalism as major newspapers like Hearst's New York Journal and Pulitzer's New York World competed for readership by publishing sensational stories.
5. The Spanish-American War showcased the early influence of news agencies and wire services, which allowed rapid dissemination of information to the public across the country.

Review Questions

• How did yellow journalism contribute to public support for the Spanish-American War?
  • Yellow journalism played a crucial role in swaying public opinion in favor of the Spanish-American War by sensationalizing events such as the sinking of the USS Maine. Newspapers like Hearst's New York Journal published exaggerated accounts of Spanish atrocities in Cuba, fostering outrage among readers. This style of reporting not only rallied support for intervention but also created a climate where public sentiment pushed politicians toward war.
• Discuss the implications of acquiring new territories after the Spanish-American War on U.S. foreign policy.
  • The acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after the Spanish-American War marked a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to imperialism. This expansion allowed the U.S. to project its power globally and influence international affairs in ways it had not done before. The new territories brought about debates on governance, citizenship rights, and whether America should continue to expand its influence overseas.
• Evaluate how advancements in news agencies and wire services during the Spanish-American War changed media coverage and public perception.
  • Advancements in news agencies and wire services during the Spanish-American War dramatically changed how information was shared with the public. With faster reporting capabilities, news outlets could quickly disseminate updates about battles and developments from far-off locations. This not only kept Americans informed but also shaped their perceptions about the war's progress and necessity. As a result, public sentiment was often influenced by real-time updates that heightened emotions surrounding nationalism and military engagement.

Related terms

Yellow Journalism: A style of sensationalist reporting that exaggerates or fabricates news stories to attract readers and influence public opinion.

Maine: The U.S. Navy battleship that sank in Havana Harbor in February 1898, an event that inflamed American public opinion against Spain and contributed to the outbreak of war.

News Agencies: Organizations that gather news reports from various sources and distribute them to newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, significantly influencing how news is shared.