2
Background:
Who?
Where?

3
The Philippines
Cuba
USA

4
Why?
Help give freedom to Spain’s colonies!

5
Spain’s Reconcentration Policy
Spain was fighting a guerilla war for
Cuban independence and needed to
separate “good” from “bad guys
What?
Why?
General Weyler forced the rural population
of central and western Cuba into barbed
wire concentration camps. Thousands died
of starvation and disease.
Made Spain look bad in American
eyes
How did it lead to war?

6
American Economic Interests
Protecting their economic interests
What?
Why?
Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were
owned by Americans. The US had offered
to buy Cuba from Spain, but the offer was
rejected.
Made Americans more likely to help
out Cuba
How did it lead to war?

7
“Yellow Journalists”
What?
Why?
How did it lead to war?

8
“Yellow Journalism”
Frederic
Remington’s
Disrobing
Propaganda

9
Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon

11
Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor
What?
USS Maine explodes in Havana, Cuba
Harbor
War declared on August 20, 1898
How did it lead to war?
Most Americans believe it was Spain’s
fault

12
Slide Analysis: Headline of the Maine
Explosion
Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo?
2/17/1898 New York World

13
Manila Bay: First attack of the Spanish-
American War
What Happened at Manila Bay?
•A Surprise naval
attack, led by
Commodore George
Dewey sunk the
crumbling Spanish
Navy.
•This allowed
American troops to
land in the
Phillippines.
•Spain surrendered in
August.

15
Rough Riders: Volunteer Infantry
Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?
•Teddy Roosevelt
resigns as Asst Secy
of the Navy to lead a
“Cowboy Calvary”
•Brought his own
photographer
•Roosevelt’s
popularity from this
leads to his
becoming V.P. and
President

16
Rough Riders
What famous Battle did they participate in?
•San Juan Hill
•African
Americans
also helped
but get no
credit

17
Teddy Roosevelt

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Results
US defeats Spain & becomes a world
power
US gained the Philippines, Puerto Rico
and Guam
Teller Amendment the U.S. could
not annex Cuba but only leave "control of the
island to its people." In short, the U.S. would
help Cuba gain independence and then
withdraw all its troops from the country.
•Platt Amendment - allowed the United
States to intervene unilaterally in Cuban affairs,
and a pledge to lease land to the United States
for naval bases on the island.