To intervene means to become involved in a situation to alter the outcome, often in a way that is intended to bring about a positive change. In the context of the Spanish-American War, intervention played a crucial role as the United States decided to step in on behalf of Cuba and other territories seeking independence from Spanish rule. This military involvement not only aimed to help these territories achieve freedom but also served U.S. interests by expanding its influence and territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The United States intervened in the Cuban War for Independence, supporting rebels fighting against Spanish colonial rule, which marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was one of the key events that led to U.S. intervention in the Spanish-American War, stirring public sentiment for military action.
Intervention by the U.S. military during the war resulted in a swift victory over Spain, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1898.
Following the war, U.S. intervention extended beyond Cuba, as the nation also took control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, showcasing its new imperialist ambitions.
The war raised questions about American expansionism and interventionism, as reflected in debates over policies like the Teller Amendment and later the Platt Amendment regarding Cuba.
Review Questions
How did U.S. intervention change the political landscape of Cuba during and after the Spanish-American War?
U.S. intervention during the Spanish-American War significantly altered Cuba's political landscape by providing military support to rebels fighting for independence from Spain. Following the war, although the Teller Amendment stated that the U.S. would not annex Cuba, American influence remained strong through economic and political means. This ultimately led to increased control over Cuban affairs, including restrictions on their sovereignty through later amendments such as the Platt Amendment.
Evaluate the motivations behind U.S. intervention in the Spanish-American War and its implications for future foreign policy.
The motivations behind U.S. intervention included humanitarian concerns for Cuban independence, strategic interests in expanding American influence, and economic interests in maintaining trade routes and markets. This war marked a turning point towards a more assertive foreign policy for the United States, leading to increased involvement in Latin America and Asia, setting a precedent for future interventions justified by both moral grounds and national interests.
Analyze how U.S. intervention during the Spanish-American War reflected broader themes of imperialism and expansionism in American history.
U.S. intervention during the Spanish-American War was emblematic of broader themes of imperialism and expansionism that characterized American history at the turn of the 20th century. By stepping in to support Cuban independence while simultaneously gaining control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, America showcased its desire to extend its reach beyond continental borders. This period illustrated how intervention was often justified under the guise of liberation or democracy but frequently served to establish new forms of control and influence over other nations.
The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.
Cuban Independence: The struggle of Cuba to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule, which was a key factor in the onset of the Spanish-American War.