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President Pierce Attempts to Purchase Cuba
Because Cuba was only 90 miles off the coast of south Florida, many felt that it rightfully belonged to the United States of America. Diplomats recommended that President Franklin Pierce purchase Cuba from Spain. However, Spain refused to negotiate. -
Cuba Abolishes Slavery
The Cubans rebelled against Spain from 1868-1878. The revolt was unsuccessful, but, in 1886, the Cubans forced the government to abolish slavery. This led to Americans' investment in large sugar corporations throughout Cuba. -
The Influence of Sea Power upon History
Alfred T. Mahan published his book about developing a modern fleet for America. He believed that acquiring offshore naval bases in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean Oceans would allow the United States to patrol and protect the east and west coasts. Cuba was the perfect island to acquire because of its location in relation the southern coast of Florida. -
Second War for Independence
Even after the abolition of slavery, Cuba still had anti-Spanish sentiments. These feelings sparked the second war for Cuban independence. Jose Marti organized Cuban rebellions in an effort to provoke American intervention. The Americans identified with Cuba because they were fighting the same battle America fought 120 years earlier. -
Yellow Journalism Provokes Public
Prominent newspapers such as the New York Journal and New York World published exaggerated articles about the Cuban revolt. Stories emphasizing the barbaric brutality displayed by the Spanish, such as poisoned wells and children being thrown to the sharks, enraged the American public. This led to America's involvement in the war. -
De Lome Letter
Ambassador Enrique Dupuy de Lome wrote a letter to the Spanish Monarchy criticizing US President William McKinley. De Lome described McKinley as weak and only concerned about the vote of the crowd. Cuban revolutionaries confiscated the letter and then sold it to the Hearst Press, which published the letter in the New York Journal. This enraged the public and sparked war fever throughout the country. -
Explosion of the U.S.S Maine
Shortly after the publication of the De Lome letter, President McKinley ordered the USS Maine to sail to Cuba to bring home American citizens and send a "goodwill gesture" to Spain. The U.S. also wanted to send a subliminal message to Spain by demonstrating the power of Great White Fleet. Americans were furious when the Maine exploded for unknown reasons in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. More than 260 innocent troops were killed. -
US Declares War -- Teller Resolution
The United States declares war on Spain. However, the passing of the Teller Resolution inhibited the military because it didn't allow the US to do anything to Cuba but help it gain its independence. -
Battle of Manila Bay
Admiral George Dewey led the America Pacific Fleet to the Philippines. 11,000 US Marines joined forces with Emilio Aguinaldo; Cuba gained independence from Spain. -
US invades Puerto Rico
During the Spanish-American War, the U.S invaded Puerto Rico. It didn't take very long for them to surrender to U.S. troops and it was a fairly nonviolent takeover. -
Takeover of Santiago, Spain Surrenders
When the Rough Riders arrive in Santiago, the Spanish fleet is forced to leave Santiago Bay. This is the last straw for the Spanish forces, and they surrender shortly after. -
Treaty of Paris
On December 10, 1898, the United States and Spain met in Paris to agree on the terms of the Treaty of Paris.
1.) Cuba is a protectorate of the United States
2.) Guam and Puerto Rico belong to United States
3.) Spain sells Philippines to United States for $20 million -
Hawaii Annexation
After the Treaty of Paris was signed, America quickly acquired new territories. President William McKinley agreed to officially annex Hawaii to the United States, thus building America's "empire." -
America Now in The Club
Now that America had acquired territories in the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, it began its journey of becoming a prominent authority in the world. The Philippines allowed the US to trade with Asia; Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico served as essential harbors for America's navy.
