Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought in 1898 between the United States and Spain, primarily over the issue of Cuban independence. The war marked a significant turning point in American foreign policy, leading to the U.S. becoming an imperial power as it acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. It also had lasting impacts on Latin American and Caribbean relations, which are essential to understanding José Martí's literary and political influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war lasted only about four months, from April to August 1898, but it resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States.
2. The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was a catalyst for the war, leading to public outcry and demands for intervention against Spain.
3. José Martí's writings and activism influenced many who supported the Cuban struggle for independence, highlighting themes of freedom and justice that resonated with American sentiments during this period.
4. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the war, ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the U.S., establishing America as a colonial power.
5. The conflict also stirred debates within the U.S. about imperialism, with voices both supporting and opposing expansionist policies.

Review Questions

• How did the Spanish-American War impact José Martí's vision for Cuban independence and how did he express this in his poetry and essays?
  • José Martí viewed the Spanish-American War as an opportunity for Cuba to achieve true independence rather than just replacing one colonial power with another. He expressed his thoughts in his poetry and essays by emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and self-determination for Cuba. Martí’s writings captured both hope and caution regarding U.S. involvement, advocating for a genuine liberation movement that prioritized Cuban interests over American imperial ambitions.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the Spanish-American War reflected America's shift towards imperialism and its implications for Latin America.
  • The outcomes of the Spanish-American War signified a major shift in American foreign policy toward imperialism, as the U.S. acquired territories such as Puerto Rico and the Philippines. This shift had profound implications for Latin America, where U.S. intervention began to reshape political dynamics. Martí's critique of imperialism highlighted concerns about U.S. dominance in the region and called for solidarity among Latin American nations against external interference.
• Evaluate how José Martí’s writings before and after the Spanish-American War serve as a commentary on national identity and the complexities of colonialism.
  • José Martí’s writings provide a nuanced commentary on national identity shaped by colonial experiences. Before the Spanish-American War, he focused on rallying support for Cuban independence against Spain while articulating a vision for a free Cuba rooted in social justice. After the war, his reflections grew more critical of U.S. intentions in Cuba, illustrating the complexities of achieving true liberation amid colonial legacies. Martí’s work thus serves as both a call for independence and a warning against neo-colonialism disguised as liberation.

Related terms

José Martí: A Cuban writer and revolutionary who became a key figure in the fight for Cuban independence from Spain and used his poetry and essays to promote freedom and social justice.

Cuban Independence: The movement aimed at freeing Cuba from Spanish colonial rule, which was a central theme of Martí's writings and activism.

Imperialism: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, which characterized the U.S. actions following the Spanish-American War.