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Period: to
Spanish Amrican War
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DeLome Letter
It was a leaked Spanish diplomat's letter that was re-printed in the New York Journal. It was highly critical of President McKinley and viewed by many as an official Spanish insult against the US. -
Sinking of the USS Maine
The USS Maine had an explosion and sunk in Havana Harbor. Although the cause was never determined, many Americans believed Spain was responsible. This event was one of the factors that led to the Spanish American War. -
US Declaration of War on Spain
Congress recognized Cuba as a free and independent country and authorized the president to drive the Spanish off the island nation by force if necessary. -
Attack on Manila Bay
At Manila Bay in the Philippines, the U.S. Asiatic Squadron destroys the Spanish Pacific fleet in the first battle of the Spanish-American War. Nearly 400 Spanish sailors were killed and 10 Spanish warships wrecked or captured at the cost of only six Americans wounded. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
General William Shafter ordered an attack on the village of El Caney and San Juan Hill. Shafter hoped to capture El Caney before besieging the fortified heights of San Juan Hill, but the 500 Spanish defenders of the village put up a fierce resistance and held off 10 times their number for most of the day -
Treaty of Paris
the Treaty of Paris officially ended the Spanish-American War. The once-proud Spanish empire was virtually dissolved as the United States took over much of Spain's overseas holdings. Puerto Rico and Guam were ceded to the United States, the Philippines were bought for $20 million, and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate
