Spanish-American War

Definition

The Spanish-American War was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain in 1898, primarily over issues of Cuban independence and American expansionism. This war marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as it resulted in the U.S. emerging as a global power and acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, further fueling the spirit of American expansionism during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war began in April 1898 after the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which was blamed on Spain and stirred public outrage in the U.S.
2. The conflict lasted only about four months, from April to August 1898, showcasing the military superiority of the U.S. Navy against the outdated Spanish fleet.
3. The Teller Amendment was passed by Congress, stating that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the war, emphasizing its intention to support Cuban independence.
4. Following the war, the United States faced debates over imperialism and whether to annex the Philippines, leading to resistance from Filipino nationalists and a subsequent insurgency.
5. The outcomes of the war expanded U.S. influence into the Caribbean and Pacific regions and were pivotal in establishing the United States as an imperial power.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to the Spanish-American War reflect American sentiments towards imperialism?
  • The events leading up to the Spanish-American War, particularly the explosion of the USS Maine and yellow journalism's role in inflating public emotions, demonstrated a growing sentiment in America towards imperialism. Many Americans believed it was their duty to intervene in Cuba's fight for independence from Spain, viewing this as an opportunity to expand their influence and territory. The public outcry for action against Spain indicated a shift towards embracing a more aggressive foreign policy rooted in both humanitarian concerns and economic interests.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Spanish-American War altered U.S. foreign policy in subsequent years.
  • The outcomes of the Spanish-American War significantly shifted U.S. foreign policy by marking its emergence as a colonial power. The acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines established America’s interests beyond its continental borders. This change led to increased military presence and interventions in foreign conflicts, notably illustrated by later engagements in Latin America and Asia. As a result, American foreign policy began prioritizing expansion and intervention over isolationism.
• Discuss the implications of American expansionism following the Spanish-American War on both domestic politics and international relations.
  • Following the Spanish-American War, American expansionism had profound implications for domestic politics and international relations. Domestically, it sparked heated debates over imperialism, with some advocating for expansion as a means of spreading democracy and others opposing it on moral or ethical grounds. Internationally, America's new status as an imperial power led to tensions with other nations, particularly concerning its role in Asia and relations with former colonies. This shift laid the groundwork for future conflicts and shaped America's identity on the world stage as both a protector and an aggressor.

Related terms

Imperialism: A policy or ideology where a country extends its power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Yellow Journalism: A sensationalist style of journalism that exaggerated or fabricated news stories to provoke public interest and sway public opinion, particularly regarding the causes of the Spanish-American War.

Treaty of Paris (1898): The treaty that ended the Spanish-American War, resulting in Spain ceding Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States for $20 million.