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In the 1890's, the Caribbean island of Cuba was a Spanish Colony. In 1895, Cubans rebelled against Spain. They wanted independence from Spanish rule. The United states and Cuba were neighbors and developed a strong economic relationship (specifically with Sugar). When the Cubans rebelled against the Spanish, they called on the United States to help win independence. Many American sugar companies quickly urged Congress to help protect their interests in Cuba. Textbook Page 30 -
An American battleship, the USS Maine was in the harbor of the Havana, Cuba. The ship suddenly exploded! More than 250 sailors died. Some U.S. newspapers accused Spain of putting mines in the harbor or planting a bomb aboard the Maine. "Remember the Maine!" became a rallying cry across America. Textbook Page 31 https://youtu.be/3JYFJU3ZJLM -
Once President William McKinley heard the news (of the USS Maine), he asked Congress for permission to send troops to Cuba. As a result, Congress agreed and declared war on Spain on April 20, 1898, and within days, U.S. battleships were headed to Cuba. Textbook Page 31 https://www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-American-War -
The Spanish American war was fought in Cuba and the Philippines, which were also controlled by Spain. Textbook Page 32 -
U.S. sea power - including four new battleships, each prepped with plenty of ammunition and a well-trained crew - far outclassed Spain's navy. Spanish soldiers in Cuba were hit hard by Yellow fever, devastating their numbers and ability to fight. After just ten weeks of fighting, the U.S. had won the war! Textbook Page 32 -
The Spanish-American war ended August 1898. More then 3,000 Americans were killed and 55,000 Spaniards died most from disease. In December, Spain and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Paris to officially end the conflict. Textbook Page 32