Lesson 3.02 Spanish-American War

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Central Question: What were the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War?

How much do you trust the news stories you read or watch in today's media? It probably depends on the source. For example, a national newspaper is considered more trustworthy than a tabloid. Can you imagine if the largest media outlets constantly reported sensationalizedinformation is presented in a way to arouse interest through exaggerated details that are often inaccurate stories similar to the tabloids?

Not only did some of the largest newspapers print sensationalized stories; these stories, known as yellow journalism, actually contributed to U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The political cartoon by Grant Hamilton (below) is an example of the pro-war propaganda published by yellow journalists that provoked the American public's concern over issues in Cuba. Even Americans who did not or could not read the articles were likely to form a negative opinion of the Spanish due to the brutal caricaturesa picture, description, or imitation of a person in which certain striking characteristics are exaggerated in order to create a comic or grotesque effect were used to represent them in the political cartoons leading to the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The image portrays as fact that the Spaniards destroyed the U.S.S. Maine through an act of sabotage, leading Americans to support a declaration of war. Examine the image by selecting the blue icons to learn more.

Analyze the Cartoon text version | Open Analyze the Cartoon in a new tab

In its quest to compete with the imperialisticprocess whereby stronger nations attempt to takeover weaker nations superpowers of the world, the United States in the late 1800s began seeking territory in vulnerable areas that appeared ripe for takeover. Cuba seemed to fit the criteria perfectly. It was in a state of rebellion from Spanish colonial rule and its close proximity to the United States seemed to make it a logical choice. Thus, in 1898 the United States declared war on Spain to both defend the interests of the Cuban people and to establish United States' influence in the area.

The ensuing Spanish-American Warwar between the United States and Spain in 1898 lasted a mere four months and ended with Spain's defeat and an altered map of the world. The United States gained control over the former Spanish colonies of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and became a protectorate of the newly independent country of Cuba. Moreover, the Spanish-American War elevated the United States as an international military power.