Introduction to SpanishAmerican War
Objective: Students will
understand the causes
of the Spanish
American War.
Warm Up: ISN, pg. 47
How could journalism
cause war?
“A Splendid Little War” John Hay,
Secretary of State, 1898
Background:
Who?
•Spain vs. U.S.
Where?
•Phillipines, Cuba (Spain’s Colonies)
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Background:
USA
The Philippines
Cuba
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Why?
US wanted to help the Spanish
colonies gain freedom from Spain.
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Spain’s Reconcentration Policy
What?
•Civilians were forced into government run
camps (with bad conditions)
Why?
•Spain was fighting a guerilla war and needed
to separate “good” from “bad” guys
How did it lead to war?
•Made Spain look bad in American eyes
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Political Cartoon
What does this cartoon show?
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
American Economic Interests
What?
•Many of Cuba’s sugar plantations were
owned by American companies
Why?
•Americans were protecting their
economic interests
How did it lead to war?
•Made Americans more likely to help out
Cuba
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
“Yellow Journalism”
What?
•Newspapers created highly
exaggerated stories
Why?
•Make more $ if they keep you scared
and interested
How did it lead to war?
•Made Americans want war!
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Slide Analysis: Judge Cartoon
How
would this
cartoon
make
Americans
feel
towards
the
Spanish?
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Monroe Doctrine is challenged by the
Sinking of the Maine in Havana Harbor
What?
•USS Maine explodes
•Most Americans believe it was Spain’s
fault
•1976 US Navy analyzed the sunken
ship, decided that the hull blew OUT not
IN
How did it lead to war?
•The “spark” that started the war
•“Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!”
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Slide Analysis: Newspaper Headline of
the Maine Explosion
Maine Explosion Caused by Bomb or Torpedo?
2/17/1898 New York
World
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Thinking Slide/Closure:
Which of these points/ideas on
pg. 48 of your ISN do you think
was most responsible for the
nation going to war? Explain
why.
Right your answer on pg. 47,
under Reflection #4.
Manila Bay (Philippines)
What Happened at Manila Bay?
•Surprise naval attack
sunk the crumbling
Spanish Navy
•Made Americans
feel very superior
Rough Riders (in Cuba)
Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader?
•Teddy Roosevelt
resigns as Asst Sect o
the Navy to lead a
“Cowboy Calvary”
•Brought his own
photographer
•Teddy’s popularity
from this leads to his
becoming V.. and
president
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Rough Riders
What famous Battle did they participate in?
•San Juan Hill
•African Americans
also helped but get
no credit
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Teddy Roosevelt
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Results
•US defeats Spain & becomes a world power
•Teddy Roosevelt was elected Vice President
in 1900 and becomes President in 1901 when
McKinley is shot
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War
Thinking Slide and DOING slide
Do you think the war was
a good idea?
YOUR Turn: Write a second paragraph in
Reflection #4 on pg. 47: (topic sentence, give a
reason and WHY (evidence); give another reason and
WHY.
I can understand the causes of the Spanish American
War