Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between Spain and the United States in 1898, primarily over issues of Cuban independence. This war marked a significant moment in American history as it resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global power, influencing literary journalism through the dramatic reporting and sensationalism surrounding the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Spanish-American War began after the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was a catalyst for U.S. intervention in Cuba's struggle for independence.
2. Media coverage of the war was heavily influenced by yellow journalism, with major newspapers like Hearst's New York Journal and Pulitzer's New York World exaggerating events to stir public sentiment for war.
3. The war lasted only about four months, from April to August 1898, but resulted in a decisive victory for the United States.
4. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, officially ended the war and granted the United States control over former Spanish territories, marking a shift in American foreign policy.
5. The war had significant implications for U.S. imperialism, setting a precedent for future military interventions and expansion into overseas territories.

Review Questions

• How did yellow journalism impact public perception of the Spanish-American War and its outcomes?
  • Yellow journalism played a crucial role in shaping public opinion regarding the Spanish-American War by using sensationalized and exaggerated stories to evoke strong emotions. Major newspapers published dramatic accounts of atrocities in Cuba, which increased pressure on the U.S. government to intervene. This manipulation of media coverage not only influenced public sentiment leading to war but also set a precedent for how journalism could be used to drive political agendas and military action.
• Discuss the significance of the Treaty of Paris in relation to American foreign policy post-Spanish-American War.
  • The Treaty of Paris was significant as it marked a turning point in American foreign policy, signaling the United States' emergence as an imperial power. By acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, the U.S. shifted from a focus on continental expansion to overseas ambitions. This new approach paved the way for future interventions and established a framework for American influence in global affairs.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Spanish-American War on American literature and journalism, particularly regarding literary journalism's evolution.
  • The Spanish-American War had lasting effects on American literature and journalism by pushing literary journalism into the spotlight. The combination of dramatic war reporting and real-time coverage helped shape narratives that engaged readers emotionally and intellectually. The techniques developed during this period, such as immersive storytelling and detailed descriptions, contributed to the evolution of literary journalism as a genre, influencing how stories about conflict were told and perceived in both print media and literature thereafter.

Related terms

Yellow Journalism: A style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers, closely associated with the events leading up to the Spanish-American War.

Teller Amendment: A resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 1898 declaring that the U.S. would not establish permanent control over Cuba after the war.

Treaty of Paris (1898): The agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.