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U.S. Attempt to Purchase Cuba
The U.S. had a great interest in Cuba due to massive production of the crop, sugarcane. Cuba was originally under the control of the Empire of Spain, and diplomats recommended to president Franklin Pierce that America should purchase Cuba. America then created an unsuccessful secret plan to purchase Cuba from Spain. This is important since our country showed interest in other land, as well as showing our historical interests in Cuba, which then led to the Spanish American War. -
Cuba's First War For Independence
Between the time span of 1868 and 1878, Cuba rebelled against Spain. The Cuban people were able to force Spain to abolish slavery due to this war. This is important because this brought attention to America and America began investing in Cuba for their sugar plantations. -
Jose Marti Led Cuba's Second War For Independence
Due to the anti-Spanish sentiment in Cuba, the second war for independence began. Jose Marti, who is a Cuban poet and journalist, created a revolution. He created and organized a Cuban resistance against Spain and used the resistance to destroy American-owned plantations to provoke the U.S. to help Cuba reach independence. This is important because this event really split up the public opinion in America, having two positions on Spain and Cuba, resulting in more issues in the future. -
Valeriaon Weyler Sent to Cuba by Spain
Spain responded to the resistance by sending General Valeriano Weyler to restore order in Cuba. Weyler attempted to get rid of the rebellion by placing the rural population of Cuba into concentration camps. With these camps, the people could not help the rebellion. An estimate of 300,000 Cubans filled these camps and many died. This is important because the actions of Weyler were written about and published, making the public have a strong negative reaction and opinion over him. -
The Yellow Press Began to Shape American Public Opinion With Respect to Cuba's Civil War
Due to the actions of Valeriaon Weyler, American Newspaper participated in Yellow Journalism, which became a thing after the creation of writing which exaggerates the news from all around to lure in readers and enrage them. Many newspaper tycoons wrote about the terrors and brutality that Weyler put upon the Country of Cuba. This is important due to the fact that the citizens of the U.S. started to care and sympathize for Cuba, which then led to them to fight for Cuba. -
Publication of The De Lome Letter
Due to the daily headlines over the horrors in Cuba, the American population wanted to intervene. President McKinley expressed and tried to resolve this crisis by keeping away from war, but that outraged the public. Due to the leakage of Enrique Dupuy de Lome's letter, who is the Spanish Minister of the U.S., America was furious with the Spanish since the letter consisted of McKinley being a coward for not wanting war. This is important since this fueled fury between the U.S. and Spain -
U.S. Invades Cuba
American forces landed in Cuba and met at the port city of Santiago. They included four African-American regiments and the Rough Riders, who were a volunteer cavalry under the command of Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt. This is important because it led to many battles, including the battle of San Juan Hill. -
Explosion of The U.S.S Maine
President McKinley ordered U.S.S Maine to Cuba to bring back American Citizens that were in danger from the fighting. The ship blew up in the harbor of Havana, killing more than 260 men. This is important because this led to a naval blockade of Cuba and the declaration of war. -
U.S. Declares War on Spain
After the explosion of the USS Maine, the US government and public opinion all favored war against Spain. April 20th was the date that the US declared war on Spain. This is important because it was the beginning of the fighting. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
Admiral William T. Sampson had prevented the Spanish fleet from entering or leaving the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. This is important due to the fact that it brought upon the attacks on Manila Bay. -
U.S. Attack on Manila Bay
The US opened fire at the Spanish fleet on the Manila Bay as told by Commodore George Dewey. Soon, his men would have destroyed every Spanish ship. This is important because it resulted in the Spanish surrendering to the United States. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
After the Rough Riders, two African-American regiments, and the Ninth and Tenth Cavalries scored a victory from nearby Kettle Hill, they progressed onto San Juan Hill and also won. Roosevelt was named the Hero of San Juan hill, despite not playing a major role in the battle. This was important because it resulted in the end of the war. -
Destruction of The Spanish Fleet in Cuba
The Spanish fleet tried to escape the blockade the Americans had created, which led a battle to occur along the Cuban coast that ended in the fall of the Spanish fleet. This is important because it led America to invade Puerto Rico. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
American troops wanted to own Puerto Rico before the war ended, so they invaded after the destruction of the Spanish fleet. This is important because it led to America owning Puerto Rico. -
Armistice is Signed Between The U.S. and Spain
The United States and Spain signed a cease-fire agreement. This is important because it represented the end of the fighting. -
Spanish Surrender of Philippines
Two months after the attacks on Manila Bay towards the Spanish fleet, the Spanish surrendered to the United States. This is important because it gave rise to the Treaty of Paris 1898. -
Treaty of Paris of 1898
The U.S. and Spain met in Paris to agree on a treaty. Spain released Cuba and gave Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. Spain was also forced to give up the Philippines for $20 million. This was important because it ended the Spanish-American war.
