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Cuban nationalists revolt against Spanish rule
moved against Spain partly because they thought the US likely to come to their aid
US was investing increasing amounts of money into Cuban sugar production ($50 million by 1895) and conducted a trade with Cuba worth $100 million annually
1860s on, US had tried to purchase Cuba from Spain several times -
Spanish send Valeriano ("Butcher") Weyler to Cuba to put down Cuban rebellion
Cuban towns turned into concentration camps, rebels are tortured.
Under the harsh and unsanitary conditions, Cuban prisoners died rapidly, especially from disease.
Newspaper publishers Pulitzer and Hearst print sensational stories to boost circulation. This came to be known as the "Yellow Press." -
Negotiations between Spain and U.S. break down after insulting letter from Spanish ambassador is published
Dupuy de Lome had written that Pres. McKinley was "...weak...and a would-be politician..." He resigns, though American people are angered. -
McKinley elected president of U.S.
Two campaign promises: 1) Protect American business and 2) Free the Cuban people -
U.S.S. Maine blows up
260 American sailors killed after mysterious explosion. Yellow Press call for war against Spain ("Remember the Maine"), offer rewards for proof of Spanish plot. -
McKinley asks Congress to declare war
Although Spain agrees to all American demands, McKinley tells Congress that God has told him to attack the Spanish forces. battle cry: "Remember the Maine!" -
Roosevelt's Rough Riders take San Juan Hill
Roosevelt achieves heroic stature for leading men (sans horses) up hill overlooking Santiago Harbor. -
Americans destroy Spanish Caribbean fleet
Every Spanish warship is sunk as fleet tries to run to open sea. -
Spanish surrender Santiago
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Treaty of Paris signed in Paris, France
Cuba paid $20 million dollars by U.S.
in return Cuba cedes Puerto Rico, Guam, & Philippines to U.S.
