Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898 that resulted in the U.S. gaining territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The war marked a turning point for the U.S., showcasing its growing military power and its emerging role as an imperial nation in the late 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war lasted only about four months, from April to August 1898, but resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
2. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was a pivotal event that fueled American public support for the war against Spain.
3. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, formally ended the war and led to Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
4. The conflict highlighted America's transition from a continental power to an overseas empire, with debates over imperialism continuing long after the war ended.
5. The war also sparked discussions about military preparedness and expansion, which would lead to the establishment of a more modern navy in the early 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did yellow journalism influence public perception and support for the Spanish-American War?
  • Yellow journalism played a crucial role in shaping public perception by sensationalizing events related to Spain's actions in Cuba, such as the brutal treatment of Cuban rebels. Newspapers like William Randolph Hearst's New York Journal and Joseph Pulitzer's New York World exaggerated reports to stir emotions and rally public support for intervention. This manipulation of news created a climate where war was seen as not only justified but necessary, ultimately leading to increased pressure on the U.S. government to take action against Spain.
• Discuss the territorial changes that resulted from the Treaty of Paris in 1898 and their significance for U.S. foreign policy.
  • The Treaty of Paris resulted in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, marking a significant expansion of U.S. territory beyond its continental borders. This shift signified America's emerging role as an imperial power and raised questions about how these new territories would be governed and integrated into American society. The acquisition of these islands also set the stage for future involvement in Caribbean and Pacific affairs, impacting U.S. foreign policy for decades.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Spanish-American War contributed to debates about imperialism within American society at the turn of the 20th century.
  • The outcomes of the Spanish-American War intensified debates about imperialism within American society by raising critical questions about American identity, governance, and ethics. While some Americans celebrated territorial expansion as a sign of national strength, others criticized it as a betrayal of democratic principles. The conflicts over how to treat newly acquired territories, especially regarding self-governance and civil rights for inhabitants, fueled tensions between expansionists and anti-imperialists. These debates reflected broader anxieties about America's role on the global stage and influenced future foreign policy decisions.

Related terms

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, which was a driving force behind the Spanish-American War.

Yellow Journalism: A style of sensationalist journalism that exaggerated news stories to provoke public interest and influence opinions, particularly regarding the events leading up to the war.

Teddy Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States, who played a key role in the war as a leader of the Rough Riders and later promoted U.S. imperial interests in the Caribbean and Latin America.