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The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain
The Cuban struggle for independence from Spain, which began in February 1895. Spain’s brutally repressive measures to halt the rebellion were graphically portrayed for the U.S. public by several sensational newspapers, and American sympathy for the rebels rose. The technique used by these newspapers is called yellow journalism. -
The Maine exploded and sank
The United States sent the battleship USS Maine to Havana Harbor. The Maine's mission was to protect U.S. citizens and economic interests in Cuba. On February 15 the Maine exploded and sank, with a loss of 266 men. Although the cause of the explosion was unclear, the American press immediately blamed Spain. “Remember the Maine!” became a rallying cry for angry Americans. -
Letter written by the Spanish minister
Hearst's newspaper published a letter written by the Spanish minister to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme. In it, de Lôme called McKinley “weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd.” Many Americans were outraged. -
Spain declared war on the United States.
Congress issued a resolution on April 20 declaring Cuba independent and demanding that Spain leave the island within three days. Attached to the resolution was the Teller Amendment, which stated that the United States had no interest in taking control of Cuba. In response to the resolution, Spain declared war on the United States. The next day, Congress passed, and McKinley signed, a declaration of war against Spain. -
War in the Philippines
While attention was focused on Cuba, the U.S. Navy won a quick victory nearly halfway around the world in the Philippines, a Spanish colony in the Pacific. Filipinos, like Cubans, were rebelling against Spanish rule. -
Spanish-American War
On June 22, the U.S. troops captured the hills around the Spanish forces at Santiago. The U.S. force then captured San Juan Hill. On July 3 the commander of the Spanish fleet decided to try breaking through the U.S. blockade. American forces suffered two casualties. Santiago surrendered two weeks later. President McKinley began peace negotiations with Spain, which was assured of defeat. A few days later, U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico. Spain signed a cease-fire agreement on August 12.
