Causes and Results of the Spanish American War

Summary

This presentation discusses the causes and results of the Spanish-American War, highlighting key factors such as American business interests in Cuba, support for Cuban rebels, the sinking of the USS Maine, and the role of yellow journalism. The war led to Cuba's independence from Spain and the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The conflict marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, establishing the nation as a global power and emphasizing its expanding interests in international affairs.

Takeaways

• 📈 The Spanish-American War was influenced by American business interests in Cuba, particularly in the sugar industry.
• ✊ Americans supported Cuban rebels seeking independence from Spain, drawing on their own historical struggle for freedom.
• 🚢 The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was a pivotal event, leading the U.S. to blame Spain for the incident.
• 📰 Yellow journalism played a significant role in escalating tensions by sensationalizing news about the USS Maine.
• 🗞️ Headlines in the media fueled public outrage against Spain, emphasizing the need for war.
• 🇨🇺 As a direct outcome of the war, Cuba gained independence from Spanish rule.
• 🌍 The United States acquired territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines after winning the war.
• 🏛️ The Spanish-American War marked the emergence of the U.S. as a world power, shifting its focus to foreign affairs.
• 💪 The war indicated that traditional European powers needed to recognize the U.S. as a significant player on the global stage.
• 📜 The war led to a transformation in U.S. policy, highlighting the importance of overseas interests and interventions.

Q & A

What was one of the main causes of the Spanish-American War?

One of the main causes was the desire of Americans to protect their business interests in Cuba, particularly in the sugar industry.

How did Americans support Cuban rebels against Spain?

Americans supported the Cuban rebels by advocating for their independence, drawing parallels to their own fight for freedom during the American Revolution.

What event triggered significant outrage in the United States prior to the war?

The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor triggered outrage, as many Americans blamed Spain for the incident.

What is the current status of the USS Maine's mast?

The mast from the USS Maine is currently displayed in Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

What is yellow journalism, and how did it relate to the Spanish-American War?

Yellow journalism refers to the use of sensationalized and exaggerated news reporting to provoke public interest. It played a role in inflating tensions between the U.S. and Spain regarding the sinking of the USS Maine.

What was the outcome of the Spanish-American War for Cuba?

As a result of the war, Cuba became an independent country and was no longer under Spanish control.

Which territories did the United States gain as a result of the war?

The U.S. gained control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as a result of the Spanish-American War.

How did the Spanish-American War change the United States' role in global affairs?

The war marked the United States' emergence as a world power, leading to greater involvement in international affairs and foreign policy.

What does the term 'business interests' refer to in the context of the war?

In this context, 'business interests' refers to the economic concerns of Americans, particularly related to their investments and operations in Cuba, especially in the sugar industry.

What impact did the Spanish-American War have on American public perception of Spain?

The war intensified negative perceptions of Spain among Americans, fueled by sensationalized media coverage and the narrative that Spain was a direct threat to American interests.