The United States

ExpandsBy the 1890s Spain’s only presence in the Western Hemisphere was on the islands of Puerto Rico and Cuba.In 1895 the people of Cuba began a revolt. Thousands

were either jailed or killed by Spanish troops.Many Americans became sympathetic to the

cause of the Cubans

Read TB pages 374-377

The Spanish American WarOn February 15, 1898, the American battleship USS Maine, which

had been sent to Havana, Cuba, to protect Americans, mysteriously exploded and sunk killing 260 sailors.

Read TB pages 376

The Spanish American War

Read TB Page 376

New York City newspapers reported that Spain was responsible for the sinking of the battleship. There was never any proof of this, but

“Remember the Maine” became the country’s battle cry. In April of 1898, Congress declared war on Spain

The articles inflamed public opinion against the rule of colonial Spain. The articles were an example of yellow journalism.

Yellow

Journalism

Theodore Roosevelt resigned his position as the Secretary of the Navy and assembled a group of volunteers to fight the Spanish in Cuba.

These volunteers, including former Civil War soldiers and cowboys, were known as the Rough Riders.

The Spanish American War

African American cavalries known as the “Buffalo Soldiers” joined the Rough Riders.

The “Buffalo Soldiers” had been responsible for

protecting settlers during the Plains Wars.

The Spanish American WarOn July 1, 1898, Theodore Roosevelt led the Rough Riders and the

“Buffalo Soldiers” against the Spanish in the Battle of San Juan Hill

On July 17, the leader of the Spanish military commander surrendered and the war was

essentially over.

Results of the Spanish American War:Cuba gained its independence

PhilippinesGuamPuerto Rico

The United States gained control of:

The western most territory

of the US

Theodore RooseveltFollowing the assassination of President McKinley in 1901,

Theodore Roosevelt became President at the age of 42

He’s the youngest person to ever hold the office of President

Theodore Roosevelt biography: TB259

Political Cartoon

The Panama CanalThe Spanish-American War had shown the need for a shorter water passage between the east coast and the

west coast of the United States.

After helping Panama gain its independence from Columbia in 1903, the United States purchased a 10 mile wide strip of land through

which the Panama Canal was built.

This narrow strip of land is an isthmus.

The Building of the Panama Canal had its Challenges:

• thick rain forests• the countries’ wetlands• diseases such as malaria and yellow fever• Dr. William Gorgas was hired to find a way to help protect

workers from these diseases which were carried by mosquitoes.• By 1906,the area was thought to be safe enough to bring in

workers• Over 40,000 men worked on the Panama Canal over a period of

seven years. 5,609 died either from disease or accidents.

Read TB pages 377

Effects of Building of the Panama Canal:

Allowed American ships to travel from the Atlantic ocean to the Pacific more quickly

Strengthened America’s image as a world power

Contributed to America’s Military might

Panama Canal

opened in 1914