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Start of Cuba's First War of Independence
Cuba had started this war against Spain, which had owned Cuba, in an attempt to abolish slavery and gain independence. Due to the length of the war, it became known as the "Ten Years' War" or the "Great War of '68." After the war, Cuba would be dissatisfied with the results and start their second war for independence. -
End of Cuba's First War for Independence
Cuba's goal of abolishing slavery was successful, albeit several years after the end of the war. The other goal of having freedom from the Spanish was unsuccessful, however, and would eventually prompt the Cubans into the second war for independence. -
Start of Cuba's Second War of Independence, Led by José Martí
José Martí, a poet and journalist, launched the revolution in another attempt to free Cuba. This time around, they applied guerilla tactics and destroyed property, mostly American sugar mills/plantations. This would eventually provoke the U.S. into joining the war. -
José Martí Leads the Second War for Independence
José Martí was a Cuban poet and journalist who advocated for the war for independence. He encouraged guerrilla tactics and deliberately destroying property. He and other Cubans knew that the U.S. wouldn't attack them for it, but rather Spain. -
Valeriano Weyler Sent To Cuba From Spain
Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba to restore order and stop the rebellion. To do this, he established concentration camps within Cuba around trapped an estimated 300,000 Cubans within. Thousands of citizens died in these camps due to hunger and disease. Journalism in the U.S. was fueled and would help to shape the yellow press. -
The Yellow Press Shapes the Common American Opinion of Respect to Cuba's Civil War
The Yellow Press was a form of journalism (known as yellow journalism) that heavily exaggerated news as a way to entice and anger readers into believing a certain way. In this case, it was used to have Americans sympathize with Cubans and crave war against the Spanish. -
U.S. Attempts to Purchase Cuba
In an attempt to avoid war, the U.S. tried to purchase Cuba from Spain for $300 million. This would ultimately fail, but General Weyler was recalled and modified the concentration camp policy. This attempt of diplomacy would be discarded, however, when the de Lôme letter was published. -
Publication of the de Lôme Letter
The de Lôme letter, written by the Spanish minister to the U.S. Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, was stolen by a Cuban rebel and leaked to the New York Journal. This letter criticized and insulted President McKinley, which only fueled America's indignation to Spain. -
U.S.S. Maine Explodes
The U.S.S. Maine, an American ship, was blown up for unknown reasons, resulting in over 260 casualties were had. Many Americans, however, were looking for a good reason to start a war with Spain, and the blame was quickly pinned on the Spanish. This event was important because it truly pushed America towards favoring war. -
The U.S. Declares War on Spain
Before this, America had not truly been participating in the war. With prior events, however, the U.S. could no longer sit back and stay out of the war; ultimately, the outcome of the war heavily favored Cuba instead of Spain. -
U.S. Naval Blockade of Cuba
The naval blockade in Cuba trapped the Spanish Fleet at the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. With how much more powerful the U.S. navy was compared to Spain's, there was little the Spanish could do. This severely limited Spain's ability to fight back. -
The U.S. Attacks Manila Bay and Destroys the Spanish Fleet
At Manila, the Philippine capital, Commodore George Dewey commanded the American fleet in the Pacific to fire at the Spanish fleet. The entire Spanish fleet was taken out within hours. This now lack of defense from Spain allowed the U.S. to land in the Philippines. -
U.S. Invades Cuba
Over 17,000 troops landed in Cuba, including the Rough Riders. The Rough Riders consisted of volunteers under Leonard Wood's and Theodore Roosevelt's command. Multiple notable battles would occur, including the attack on Kettle Hill and the attack on San Juan Hill. -
The Battle of San Juan Hill
The Rough Riders and multiple African-American regiments had fought on Kettle hit, with a successful result. This cleared the way for an infantry attack on San Juan Hill. This would also be successful, with it not only lowering Spain's military forces but also provided a strategically important location. This also boosted Theodore Roosevelt's popularity for his future presidential election. -
U.S. Captures Puerto Rico
The success of the Battle of San Juan Hill provided a strategic advantage for the U.S. Additionally, the Spanish fleet attempted to escape the American blockade but failed and ended up having their fleet destroyed. These victories gave the U.S. an easy opportunity to invade Puerto Rico. This essentially removed a large area for the Spanish to use. -
The U.S. and Spain Sign an Armistice
The Spanish had realized that they did not have a chance to win the war, and an armistice was called to prevent any further casualties. In just under 4 months, the Treaty of Paris would be created. -
The Treaty of Paris of 1898
Officials of the U.S. and Spain met in Paris to agree on the treaty. This is important, because not only did it end the war, but it gave ownership of the islands of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philipines to the U.S. -
The Spanish Surrender the Philippines
As part of the Treaty of Paris, Spain had sold the Philipines to the U.S. for $20 million. This was important to the American government as the U.S. was imperialistic at the time.