War against Spain

Definition

The War against Spain, often referred to as the Spanish-American War, was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues of imperialism and the liberation of Cuba. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, transitioning from isolationism to a more assertive role on the global stage as the U.S. emerged as a colonial power with territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war was sparked by the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, with many Americans supporting Cuba's fight for freedom.
2. Yellow journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, with sensationalized reports inflaming emotions and promoting pro-war sentiments.
3. The conflict lasted only about four months, with major battles occurring in both Cuba and the Philippines.
4. The outcome of the war marked the United States' emergence as a global power, with new territories that included Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
5. The war also raised significant questions about U.S. imperialism and its role in world affairs, setting a precedent for future foreign interventions.

Review Questions

• What were the main causes of the War against Spain and how did they influence American public opinion?
  • The main causes of the War against Spain included the desire for Cuban independence and American imperialist ambitions. Reports of Spanish atrocities against Cubans generated sympathy among Americans, especially through yellow journalism. The explosion of the USS Maine served as a rallying point for those advocating for war. Together, these factors created a strong public sentiment that pressured the U.S. government to take action against Spain.
• Analyze how the outcome of the War against Spain altered U.S. foreign policy and its position on the global stage.
  • The outcome of the War against Spain significantly altered U.S. foreign policy by marking a shift from isolationism to an assertive imperialist stance. The acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines expanded U.S. influence into Latin America and Asia. This transition also led to debates over imperialism within the U.S., as some Americans supported expansion while others feared it contradicted democratic principles.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the War against Spain on U.S.-Cuba relations and broader Latin American policies.
  • The long-term impacts of the War against Spain on U.S.-Cuba relations included increased American influence over Cuban affairs, exemplified by the Platt Amendment, which allowed for U.S. intervention in Cuba's domestic matters. This interventionist approach set a precedent for future U.S. policies in Latin America, where similar interventions became common under doctrines like the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. Overall, this war laid the groundwork for a more interventionist U.S. presence in Latin America that would shape hemispheric relations for decades to come.

Related terms

Cuban Independence: The struggle of Cuba to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule, which fueled American sympathy and involvement leading up to the war.

USS Maine:

A U.S. Navy battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in February 1898, an event that catalyzed American public opinion in favor of war against Spain.

Treaty of Paris (1898):

The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.