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US attempts to buy Cuba from Spain
The U.S. had an interest in Cuba since 1854 when President Franklin offers to buy Cuba from Spain. However, Spain says they'd rather see Cuba sink into the ocean. It was a failed attempt to acquire more land, but interest still remained. This was important to establish that the U.S. was seeking to acquire Cuba. -
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Spanish War
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Cuba's first war for independence
Cubans revolt against Spain. They did not gain their independence but did force Spain to abolish slavery. It was the start of Cubans fighting for their freedom. -
Jose Marti leads cuba's second war for independence
Jose used guerilla tactics to destroy Spanish and American property in Cuba. He aimed to provoke an intervention from the US. He launched the revolution and got the Americans to intervene. -
Yellow Press shapes public opinion
Newspapers often exaggerated to make Spain's treatment of Cuba seem crueler than it was. They aimed to anger U.S. citizens into wanting to take action. The U.S. already wanted war with Spain, and the yellow press gave them more reason to. This was important because it drove attention to the harsh conditions Cubans were suffering from, and also increased the possibility of war happening between the U.S. and Spain. -
Spain sends General Valeriano Weyler to Cuba
In response to the Cuban revolt, General Weyler is sent to put Cubans in concentration camps. These camps were under unsanitary conditions and Cubans were being mistreated in them. The General's actions made Spain's image worse than it already was. This was important to have more proof of why Cuba needed to be freed from Spain. -
De Lome letter is published
The New York Journal publishes a private letter written by Enrique Dupuy De Lome that criticizes President McKinley, calling him weak. After Americans found out about this, the Spanish government apologized and their minister was resigned. Americans weren't convinced and were still angry with Spain. This was important to show Spain's hostility. -
U.S.S. Maine explodes
The U.S.S. Maine, which had been carrying US citizens from Cuba, is blown up, killing over 260 men. After the de Lome letter, Americans' resentment of Spain was high, and the explosion of Maine made that resentment worse. Spain was blamed for the tragedy, but its real cause is unknown. This was important to show that Americans had enough of Spain. -
US declares war on Spain
Although Spain had just agreed to a 6-month ceasefire, the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine outraged the US. On April 11th President McKinley asked congress for permission to use force against Spain, and Spain agreed. -
US attacks Manila Bay
The first attack of the war was unexpected. Instead of attacking Spain in Cuba, an American fleet opened fire on Spanish ships in the bay of the Philippine capital, Manila. This was a big contributor in winning the war because it took out a lot of Spain's ships. -
US invades Cuba
An army of 17,000 including four African American regiments and the Rough Riders landed in Cuba and converged near the port of Santiago. These troops were led by Theodore Roosevelt and Leonard Wood. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
American troops finally settled in the port city of Santiago, Cuba, in 1898. The battle in Cuba started on Kettle Hill with the Rough Riders, and the Ninth and Tenth Cavalries being victorious. This led to the troops attacking San Juan Hill, which also ended with their victory. This was important because it showed America's military strength against a powerful nation. -
Destruction of the Spanish fleet in Cuba
Two days after the Battle at San Juan Hill, the Spanish fleet tried to escape from the American troops in the harbor at Santiago. Due to this, a naval battle at the coast of Cuba occurred, causing the destruction of the Spanish fleet. This was important because it showed how much naval power the United States had over Spain, proving who was the stronger nation. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
After the war in Manila Bay, U.S. troops set sail to Cuba. Admiral Wiliam T. Sampson trapped Spain troops in the Santiago de Cuba harbor to prepare for battle. This was important to have an advantage over Spain and to have them give up Cuba. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
After the battle in Cuba was done and the Spanish fleet was destroyed, American troops went to invade Puerto Rico. Spain ended up turning over Puerto Rico after being defeated so the United States gained new territory. The invasion of Puerto Rico was important in acquiring more territory in the West Indies for the U.S. -
Spain surrenders the Philippines
Contrary to the Spaniards, the United States invaded the Philippines before Cuba. Commodore George Dewey and his troops opened fire on the Spanish fleet settled in Manilla, Philippines, destroying Spain's ships. Filipino rebels also fought alongside U.S. troops, which ended with Spain surrendering the Philippines to the United States. This was important because the invasion helped free Filipinos from the Spanish. -
Armistice between U.S. and Spain
The United States and Spain agree to cease-fire. What was referred to as "a splendid little war" by Secretary of State John Hay had finally ended. This was important because it ended the conflict between the two nations so no more fatal harm could be done. -
Treaty of Paris
The U.S. and Spain met in Paris after the war to agree on a treaty. This led to Spain freeing Cuba, turning over Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S., and finally, selling the Philippines to the United States. This was important in order for the United States to acquire more territory and power.