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U.S Attempt to Purchase Cuba
The United States had long held an interest in Cuba, which lies only 90 miles south of Florida. In 1854, diplomats recommended to President Franklin Pierce that the United States buy Cuba from Spain. The Spanish responded by saying that they would rather see Cuba sunk in the ocean. This is important because it showed that we wanted to imperialize. -
Cuba's First War For Independence
Cubans were dissatisfied with the Spanish administration in Cuba. They also had low political representation and high taxes. They rebelled in a war for independence that lasted 10 years and finally ended February 10, 1878. It ended with the Pact of Zanjón which gave amnesty and also gave Cubans more representation in government. It was important because it marked the first time Cuba rebelled against the controlling Spanish government. -
Jose Marti Led Cuba's Second War for Independence
A Cuban poet and journalist named Jose Marti organized the Cuban resistance for the second war of independence. He wanted to get America's involvement and he did so by destroying American owned sugar mills and plantations. This was important because Marti provoked American intervention in Cuba by increasing America's anger in Spain and also increasing the chances of war. -
Valeriano Weyler
Spain sent Weyler to restore order. He put all the citizens in concentration camps so that they couldn't give aid to the rebels. Around 300,000 people were in the camps and many died from hunger and disease. He is important because it motivated the Americans to want to intervene in Cuba's affairs -
The Yellow Press
Yellow Press is when articles are highly exaggerated to sell more papers. Stories like children being thrown into shark habitats and poison cellars made the Americans sympathize with the Cubans. Stories were sensationalized to enrage and lure in readers. This is important because falsified stories influenced the Americans to support the war. -
The De Lome Letter is Published
In February 1898 The New York published a private letter written by Enrique Dupuy de Lome. The letter was stolen in Havana by a Cuban rebel and leaked it to the American paper company. It was important because it made America very angry with the Spanish and escalated the conflict in the islands. -
Explosion of U.S.S Maine
Early in 1898, President Mckinley sent the U.S.S Maine to get American citizens out of the fight in Cuba. On February 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine exploded. It was important because it gave Americans another reason to show animosity toward Spain. -
U.S.S Maine Explodes
On January 15th, 1898 the U.S.S Maine explodes, killing more than 260 men. This is important because no one knew why the U.S.S Maine exploded but, the yellow journalism told America that Spain caused the explosion. It was important because it fueled America's anger towards Spain and pushed them closer to war. -
U.S Declares War on Spain
The Spanish government agreed, on April 9, to almost everything the United States demanded, including a six-month cease-fire. Despite the Spanish concessions, public opinion favored war. On April 11, McKinley asked Congress for authority to use force against Spain. After a week of debate, Congress agreed, and on April 20 the United States declared war. It is important because we made it seem like we wanted to help Cuba, but we really wanted to build an empire with some of Spain's territories. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
Admiral William T. Sampson was sent to put a naval blockade around Cuba. The Spanish ships were given 30 days to get out of the harbor or they'd be searched. After the 30 days, they could be searched at any time. This is important because we took away the influence of Spanish navy in the Caribbean. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
The American fleet came in through the Pacific and took out the Spanish fleet that was in their way at Manila bay the next day. This was important because it showed that we had interest in other islands and not just Cuba. -
The Spanish Surrender the Philippines
George Dewy commanded his fleet to open fire on the Spanish fleet at Manila. Within hours the American feet destroyed all the enemy ships. When the landed, they had the support of the Filipinos and within 2 months the Spanish surrendered. This is important because it shows that we want to build and empire. -
U.S Attack on Manila Bay
On May 1st, 1898 the U.S. Asiatic Squadron destroyed the Spanish Pacific fleet in the first major battle of the Spanish-American War. This was important because it was the first major battle in the Spanish-American war and it started in the Philippines which showed our interest in owning the Phillippine islands. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
Major General William Shafter wanted to take the city of Santiago. San Juan Hill was one of the Spanish strongholds that protected the city of Santiago. The battle was one of the most significant land victories and was one of the last battles of the war. Spanish soldiers were holding off the US until two US Gatling guns showed up to the battle site. It was important because it was a pivotal part in the US victory of the war as the city of Santiago no longer had defenses to protect it. -
Destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Cuba
Admiral William T. Sampson sealed up the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. When the Spanish tried to break the blockade, but the US blockade wouldn't allow it and fired. The US destroyed the Spanish fleet and demonstrated its naval power. It was important because we demonstrated our power and destroyed many of the Spanish ships in the process. -
Armistice Signed Between the U.S and Spain
On August 12, 1898, America and Spain signed a cease-fire agreement ending the war that lasted 15 weeks. It was important because it ended the war with the Spanish. -
Treaty of Paris
Shortly after the Armistice, America and Spain met in Paris to sign a treaty. During the negotiations, Spain signed freed Cuba and signed over The islands of Guam and Puerto Rico. Spain also sold The Philippine Islands to America for $20 million. This was important because the war was officially over and America came away with some land which helped us slowly and quietly make an empire.
