10.2 The Spanish-American

War

U.S. and Cuba

• Cuba was Spain’s colony, we were interested because some businessmen had sugar companies there

• When Cuban leaders like Jose Marti called for a revolution (against Spain), we supported the Cubans

U.S. and Cuba • In the intercepted De Lome letter, a member

of the Spanish govt. insulted Pres. McKinley

– Naturally, this infuriated Americans

U.S. and Cuba

• Spain sent General Weyler to tame the Cubans

– He forced them into concentration camps, etc.

• The practice of “yellow journalism” focused (and sometimes exaggerated) on the horrible treatment of the Cubans

U.S. and Cuba • Feb 15, 1898 the U.S.S. Spain, which was

supposed to bring home U.S. citizens from Cuba, mysteriously exploded

– We automatically blamed the Spanish, but no one could prove it.

U.S. beats up Spain • Attacked the Spanish in the Philippines (in Pacific)

before we invaded Cuba

• We blockaded the Spanish fleet at Cuba, then invaded with a poorly prepared army

– We still won that invasion anyway

– TR (before he became Pres.) lead his volunteers (The “Rough Riders”) into the Battle of San Juan Hill

U.S. beats up Spain • In the Treaty of Paris (1898), U.S. wins Puerto Rico

and Guam from Spain

– But we agreed to pay Spain $20 mil for the Philippines