Spanish American War
Causes of the Spanish American War
1. Protection of American ___________________ interests in Cuba (mostly _________ cane)
2. America wanted to help Cuban rebels gain independence from ______________
3. The sinking of the _______________________ in Havana Harbor, Cuba
4. _________________ Journalism
Spanish American War

April 25, 1898 – December 10,1898 (____________________)

The United States declared war on Spain after the __________________ of the
battleship U.S.S. Maine in Havana Harbor, __________ on February 15, 1898.

Yellow Journalism
o Newspapers resorted to headlines that _____________________
and sensationalized ____________ in order to _________ more
papers.
o This _____________________ public support for the war

See Timeline of Events (on back)
Results of the Spanish American War
 The United States emerged as a ________________ power
 As a result of the Treaty of Paris of 1898:
o ___________ gained independence from Spain but became
___________________ on the U.S.
o The _____________________________ gained possession of the Philippines,
Guam, and _____________________
Timeline of Events in the Spanish American War (Honors)
1898
January
- Cuba desired independence from Spain

February

March
- U.S.S. Maine is sunk in Havana Harbor, Cuba on February 15, 1898. The
U.S. and Spain disagree who was at fault.
- U.S. requested Cuban independence instead of war with Spain

April

May 

June 
- War declared on April 25, 1898
- U.S. blockaded Cuba to prevent Spanish troop reinforcements
- U.S. attacked Manila Harbor in the Philippines
- U.S. peace treaty to Spain is REFUSED
July
- U.S. victory in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Theodore Roosevelt)
- Battles continued in Cuba; U.S. annexes Hawaii
August
September
- Peace settlement reached in mid-August relating to Cuba, Puerto Rico,
and Guam. Spanish American struggle over the Philippines continued.
October
November
December
- Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10, 1898 ending the war.
Timeline Questions:
1. Why did the U.S. claim they fought the war?
2. Why do you think the U.S. was really fighting the war?
a. What evidence from the timeline proves this?