Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. The war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as it resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global power with overseas territories, showcasing the influence of sensationalism and tabloid journalism in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spanish-American War began in April 1898 and lasted until August 1898, resulting in a swift victory for the United States.
2. One of the immediate causes of the war was the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was sensationalized by newspapers and contributed to rising tensions.
3. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, ended the war and resulted in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S.
4. The war significantly increased American involvement in international affairs and marked the emergence of the United States as a colonial power.
5. Sensationalist reporting during the war spurred public interest and pressure on government officials to take action against Spain, demonstrating how media can shape public perception of military conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did sensationalism in journalism affect public sentiment leading up to the Spanish-American War?
  • Sensationalism played a crucial role in shaping public sentiment before the Spanish-American War by exaggerating events like the sinking of the USS Maine. Newspapers engaged in yellow journalism fueled emotions by depicting Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which swayed public opinion toward supporting intervention. This illustrates how media can influence national policies by mobilizing public outrage and urgency.
• What were some of the long-term implications of U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War for its foreign policy?
  • The U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War led to significant changes in foreign policy, shifting from isolationism to a more interventionist stance. With newfound territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, the U.S. expanded its influence into Latin America and Asia. This shift set the stage for future military engagements and imperialistic policies, establishing America as a global power.
• Evaluate how the events of the Spanish-American War exemplified broader trends in American media and politics during that era.
  • The Spanish-American War exemplified broader trends in American media and politics by highlighting how sensationalist journalism could manipulate public perception and drive political action. The press not only reported on events but also shaped narratives that aligned with nationalistic sentiments, pushing for military engagement. This dynamic between media and politics established patterns that would continue to influence American involvement in conflicts throughout the 20th century, showing that media plays an essential role in rallying support for government actions.

Related terms

Yellow Journalism: A style of journalism that emphasizes sensationalism, exaggeration, and emotional appeal to attract readers and influence public opinion, notably used during the Spanish-American War.

Cuba Libre: A slogan meaning 'Free Cuba,' which encapsulated the movement for Cuban independence from Spanish rule and was a rallying cry during the war.

Imperialism: A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force, which the U.S. practiced following its victory in the Spanish-American War.