SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
Background: As indicated by the annexation of Hawaii and the Venezuelan Crisis, America’s desire to expand was a primary focus of the U.S. government during the time period. These imperialistic desires only grew after President William McKinley was elected in 1897. In an effort to expand their overseas empire, McKinley sets his sights on all Spanish-controlled countries: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines, and Guam. The quest for Spanish territory begins with Cuba…..
Historically, Cuba suffered political/economic instability, just like much of Central and South America post- revolutions. One thing that worked in favor of Cuba was their availability of sugar. (Clearly, Americans loved sugar …. Hawaii, and now Cuba!) Even though Cuban sugar was a large source of profit, by the 1890’s, a global economic crisis reduced the demand for sugar, destroyed plantation profits and increased unemployment. If things weren’t bad enough, this economic downturn inflamed long-simmering class, racial, and gender problems. It became the goal of one man, Jose Marti, to change this! Marti will lead a revolutionary movement in an attempt to seek Cuban independence and rebuild their economy. To learn more about Cuban independence and its influence on the Spanish-American War, read pgs. 388-394 (stop at WWI) in the Latin American text book!!! As you read, complete the following portion of this worksheet for notes
1. Background of Jose Marti:
2. What was El Partido Revolucionario Cubano? What were they fighting for?
3. After Marti’s death in 1895, who took over the movement?
4. How did minorities, like blacks and women, contribute to the independence movement?
5. Who was General Valeriano Weyler? What military tactics did he use? Were they successful?
6. Why did U.S. business leaders complain about the situation in Cuba? What were these leaders fearful of?
7. What did U.S. newspapers at the time focus on?
8. What was the U.S.S. Maine? How did the American government respond to the incident?
9. How did Cubans feel about U.S. involvement? Why? 10. What did the 1898 Teller Amendment rule? Did this amendment hold true post-war?
11. Why were Cubans left out of post-war councils? How would this effect US-Cuban relations?
12.What were the goals of U.S. occupation of Cuba?
13. How did U.S. occupation change the politics and economy of Cuba?
14. What was the PIC? What were its goals?
Wow! If the U.S. and Cuba were dating, their Facebook relationship status would definitely be “complicated.” But if things weren’t bad enough, a third country joins the mix…… the Philippines. The Philippines were under Spanish control since 1521, and the U.S. wanted to change that! The majority of the Spanish-American War was fought in Cuba and the Philippines, so their involvement is crucial. For this next section, you will read pgs. 125-129 in your History of the Americas textbook. This section briefly reviews over Cuba, Yellow Journalism, U.S. Involvement and the invasion of the Philippines.
15. Explain the “Yellow Press.” What was its purpose? Characteristics?
16. How did the Yellow Press exaggerate the incident with the U.S.S. Maine?
17. Describe the different American views regarding U.S. intervention.
18. Explain the strengths/weaknesses of both the American and Spanish militaries.
19. Who were the Rough Riders?
20. Describe the invasions of Cuba and the Philippines.