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The Spanish-American War 1898-1901: SparkNotes History Guide

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The Spanish-American War was a conflict between Spain and the United States over the issue of Cuba, which had been a Spanish colony for centuries. The United States had long been interested in Cuba, and tensions between the two countries had been growing in the late 19th century. In 1898, the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor led to the outbreak of war.

The Spanish-American War was a short and decisive conflict. The United States quickly defeated the Spanish navy, and American troops landed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. By August 1898, Spain had surrendered, and the United States had gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

The Spanish American War (1898-1901) (SparkNotes History Guide) (SparkNotes History Notes)

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The Spanish-American War was a turning point in American history. It marked the end of the United States' isolationist foreign policy and the beginning of its rise to global power. The war also had a significant impact on Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Cuba gained its independence from Spain, while Puerto Rico and the Philippines became American colonies.

Causes of the Spanish-American War

There were a number of factors that led to the Spanish-American War. These included:

The Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor
American public opinion, which was largely in favor of war
The United States' desire to expand its empire

The Cuban rebellion

The Cuban rebellion against Spanish rule began in 1895. The rebels were led by José Martí, a Cuban nationalist who believed that Cuba should be independent from Spain. The Spanish government responded to the rebellion with a brutal campaign of repression, which included the use of concentration camps.

The Cuban rebellion caused a great deal of sympathy in the United States. Many Americans believed that the Cubans were fighting for their freedom, and they wanted the United States to intervene on their behalf.

Sinking of the USS Maine

On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded in Havana harbor. The explosion killed 266 American sailors. The cause of the explosion was never determined, but many Americans believed that the Spanish had sabotaged the ship.

The sinking of the USS Maine caused a wave of anger in the United States. The American public demanded that Spain be held accountable for the deaths of the sailors, and President William McKinley sent a message to Congress asking for a declaration of war.

American public opinion

American public opinion was largely in favor of war with Spain. The sinking of the USS Maine had convinced many Americans that Spain was a threat to the United States. In addition, many Americans believed that the United States had a duty to help the Cubans gain their independence.

American expansionism

The United States had been expanding its empire in the late 19th century. In 1898, the United States had already acquired Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam. The Spanish-American War gave the United States an opportunity to further expand its empire by acquiring Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Course of the Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War began on April 25, 1898, with the declaration of war by the United States. The United States quickly defeated the Spanish navy, and American troops landed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Naval battles

The Spanish-American War was fought at sea and on land. The naval battles were decisive in the American victory. The United States Navy was much larger and more powerful than the Spanish Navy, and American ships easily defeated the Spanish in a series of battles.

The most famous naval battle of the Spanish-American War was the Battle of Manila Bay. On May 1, 1898, the American fleet under the command of Commodore George Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. The Battle of Manila Bay gave the United States control of the Philippines.

Land battles

The United States Army also played a major role in the Spanish-American War. American troops landed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, and they quickly defeated the Spanish forces. The American army was much better equipped and trained than the Spanish army, and the Americans were able to quickly overcome the Spanish resistance.

The most famous land battle of the Spanish-American War was the Battle of San Juan Hill. On July 1, 1898, American troops under the command of General William Shafter attacked the Spanish forces at San Juan Hill, Cuba. The Americans were victorious in the battle, and the Spanish forces were forced to retreat.

Surrender of Spain

On August 12, 1898, Spain surrendered to the United States. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the war, was signed on December 10, 1898. The treaty gave the United States control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Consequences of the Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War had a number of consequences for the United States, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

For the United States

The Spanish-American War marked the end of the United States' isolationist foreign policy. The war showed that the United States was now a major world power, and it led the United States to become more involved in international affairs.

The Spanish American War (1898-1901) (SparkNotes History Guide) (SparkNotes History Notes)

by SparkNotes

4.3 out of 5