Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict between Spain and the United States in 1898 that resulted in the U.S. gaining control over former Spanish territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This war marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving towards imperialism and influencing subsequent relations with Latin America and the Caribbean.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spanish-American War was sparked by various factors, including Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain and sensationalist media coverage that rallied American public opinion against Spanish rule.
2. The U.S. Navy's victory at the Battle of Manila Bay was a decisive moment in the war, showcasing America's emerging naval power.
3. The war lasted only about four months, from April to August 1898, but had lasting effects on U.S. foreign policy and territorial expansion.
4. Following the war, the United States established a colonial administration in the Philippines, which led to a subsequent conflict known as the Philippine-American War.
5. The war marked a turning point in U.S.-Latin American relations, as it set a precedent for American intervention and increased influence in the region.

Review Questions

• How did yellow journalism contribute to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War?
  • Yellow journalism played a crucial role in building public support for the Spanish-American War by sensationalizing events in Cuba and depicting Spain as a brutal oppressor. Newspapers like those owned by Hearst and Pulitzer published exaggerated reports of atrocities committed against Cuban civilians, stirring up emotions among Americans. This intense media coverage created pressure on the U.S. government to take action, ultimately leading to military intervention.
• Analyze the impact of the Treaty of Paris (1898) on U.S. foreign policy and its relationship with former Spanish colonies.
  • The Treaty of Paris (1898) had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy by marking the country's transition into an imperial power. The acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines expanded U.S. influence in both the Caribbean and Asia. This new status compelled the United States to adopt policies that justified intervention in other nations' affairs, significantly altering its relationships with former Spanish colonies and setting a precedent for future military involvement.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Spanish-American War shaped future interactions between Latin America and the United States.
  • The outcomes of the Spanish-American War significantly shaped future interactions between Latin America and the United States by establishing a pattern of American interventionism. The victory over Spain not only expanded U.S. territories but also solidified its role as a dominant power in Latin America and the Caribbean. This led to policies like the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, justifying military interventions in Latin America to protect U.S. interests. Consequently, these actions fostered both cooperation and resentment between Latin American nations and the United States in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy where a country extends its power and influence through diplomacy or military force to control foreign territories.

Treaty of Paris (1898): The agreement that officially ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.

Yellow Journalism: A style of sensationalist reporting that exaggerated news stories to provoke public interest and sway public opinion, playing a role in igniting American support for the war.