Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues of Cuban independence and American imperial interests. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as it led to the emergence of the United States as a global power and increased its imperial ambitions in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began in April 1898 and lasted only about four months, concluding with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in December of the same year.
2. One of the immediate causes of the war was the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which fueled public support for military intervention against Spain.
3. The outcome of the war resulted in Spain relinquishing control over Cuba and ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
4. The war showcased a new form of warfare with technological advancements, such as steam-powered naval ships and improved artillery.
5. Following the war, the United States faced debates over its new role as an imperial power, leading to conflicts such as the Philippine-American War as it sought to govern its new territories.

Review Questions

• How did the Spanish-American War signify a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to imperialism?
  • The Spanish-American War marked a critical shift in U.S. foreign policy by moving away from isolationism and towards imperialism. The desire to intervene in Cuba's struggle for independence revealed America's growing willingness to exert its influence beyond its borders. Following victory in the war, the U.S. acquired territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines, fundamentally altering its role on the global stage as an emerging power with colonial ambitions.
• Discuss how media played a role in shaping public opinion leading up to the Spanish-American War.
  • Media played a pivotal role in building public sentiment for the Spanish-American War through sensationalist journalism known as 'yellow journalism.' Newspapers like those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer published exaggerated stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, stirring emotions among Americans. This manipulation of public opinion pressured the U.S. government to take action against Spain, ultimately leading to military intervention.
• Evaluate the implications of the Spanish-American War on U.S. domestic policies and international relations in the early 20th century.
  • The Spanish-American War had significant implications for both domestic policies and international relations in early 20th century America. Domestically, it sparked debates over imperialism and America's responsibilities towards its new territories, leading to conflicts such as the Philippine-American War where anti-imperialist sentiments clashed with expansionist policies. Internationally, it established the U.S. as a formidable power on the world stage, setting precedents for future interventions in Latin America and Asia that defined its foreign policy throughout that era.

Related terms

Cuban Independence: The movement for Cuba to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule, which was a key factor leading to the Spanish-American War.

Imperialism:

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, which the U.S. pursued more aggressively after the war.

Teddy Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States who played a significant role in shaping U.S. imperialism and foreign policy during and after the war.