-
U.S. attempts to purchase Cuba
The United States has held a long interest in Cuba as it lies very close to the southern coast of Florida. In 1854, President Pierce attempted to buy Cuba from Spain. Spain heartily refused and basically said that they would never give up Cuba. This is important because it portrays America's interest in spreading its territory. It depicts some imperialistic views of the American people. -
Period: to
Spanish American War Chronology
a timeline for Murray -
Cuba’s first war for independence
Cuba's first war for independence was the Cuban people revolting against Spain's grip on the land. America sided with Cuba, but the revolt turned out to not be successful in winning Cuba's independence. This event is important because one outcome was Spain being forced to free Cuban slaves. Another outcome was American investors becoming more involved in Cuba's sugar cane industry. -
Jose Marti led Cuba’s second war for independence
Cubans who disliked Spain began revolting against Spain's grip once again. This led to Cuba's second war for independence. Jose Marti was a Cuban exile in New York. He launched a Cuban resistance against Spain. His goal was to get the United States to side with Cuba for the cause of freeing the people. -
Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba by Spain
Valeriano Weyler was a Spanish general. He attempted to crush the Cuban revolt by herding the rebellious people into concentration camps. Thousands of the revolters died from hunger and disease in the camps. This is important because it influenced America's decision in joining the war. -
The Yellow Press began to shape American public opinion with respect to Cuba’s Civil War
Yellow journalism exaggerated news. The goal was to make things seem different than they actually were and to convince America to join the war against Spain. -
Publication of the De Lome Letter
The Spanish minister to the United States wrote this famous letter. It was a private letter that was leaked. The letter was criticizing the president and called him weak. This enraged American people. This is important because it also influenced America's view of Cuba's War for Independence and the Spanish that were involved. -
Explosion of the USS Maine
It was only a little bit after the De Lome letter had become public and America was quite bitter towards Spain when the American ship the USS Maine was blown up. This act enraged America and even though the guilty party had not been proven, most people suspected Spain. This is important because it was the event that p was probably America's deciding factor in joining the war. -
U.S. declares war on Spain
Although Spain conceded to some of America's demands, the majority of Americans favored the idea of war. President McKinley asked Congress for permission to declare war against Spain on April 11, and on April 20 the war was official. This is important because it is when America posed their public stance in the dispute. -
Naval blockade of Cuba
In response to the America's decision to declare war, the American Navy began a blockade of Cuba led by Admiral William T. Sampson. This blockade successfully trapped Spanish fleets in Cuban ports. -
U.S. attack on Manila Bay
America's first invasion in the war was not on Cuba. Instead the first battle of the war took place on The Philippine Islands. Led by Commodore George Dewey, the American fleet attacked the Spanish fleet at Manilla. America destroyed the Spanish fleet. This is an important event because it allowed America to land in the Philipines. -
U.S. invades Cuba
When America finally invaded Cuba, they landed with an army teaming with troops ready to fight. Future president Theodore Roosevelt was one of the rough riders preparing to join in the fight. The U.S. invasion of Cuba is important because it led to many crucial battles that would eventually lead to a Spanish defeat. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
The battle and victory on San Juan hill were a dramatic rush of the rough riders leading to clearing the way for a crucial infantry attack. This was not only important because it played a big part in America's eventual victory, but it also led to promoting Theodore Roosevelt as a huge war hero. -
Destruction of Spanish Fleet in Cuba
It was two days after the Battle of San Juan Hill when the Spanish fleet attempted to escape the naval blockade in Cuba. The battle that followed led to complete destruction of the Spanish Fleet. This is important because this defeat was a major victory for the United States and gave them a huge step up. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
On July 25, 1898, America invaded and captured Puerto Rico. This was an imperialistic act on America's part. This act would lead to eventually making Puerto Rico an United States colony. -
Armistice is signed between the U.S. and Spain
When the armistice between America and Spain was signed, it was an agreement to cease-fire. The armistice led to the end of the Spanish-American War. -
Spanish surrender the Philippines
The Spanish surrendered the Philippines to America at the end of the Spanish-American War. This occurred after American-Filipino forces had defeated the Spanish. It occurred at Manilla. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War. The Treaty of Paris was a controversial issue in the United States as some people did not feel that America had the right to annex the Philipines. Eventually, President Mckinley justified his decision to agree to the treaty by basically saying that America would modernize the Philipines.
