Yellow journalism uses emotional language that grabs readers’
attention and can easily persuade them to support the writer’s
viewpoint. If the writer took a strong stand on one side or the other of
a foreign policy issue, many readers might come to support that
stand.
America Supports Cuba
Cuban Rebellion Cuban rebels led by José Martí took control of eastern Cuba in
February 1895 and in September declared their territory the Republic of Cuba.
American Neutrality The United States had significant investments in, and trade with,
Cuba. President Grover Cleveland asserted that the United States would not take sides in
the rebellion. But many Americans supported the Cuban rebels’ cause.
Rebels Destroy Property Cuban rebels staged hit-and-run raids, burned plantations and
sugar mills, tore up railroad tracks, and attacked supply depots. The rebels hoped that
the destruction of American property would lead to American intervention in the war.
Spanish Atrocities To suppress the rebellion, Spain sent some 200,000 troops to Cuba.
In an attempt to keep villagers from aiding the rebels, they herded hundreds of
thousands of men, women, and children into “reconcentration camps,” where tens of
thousands died of starvation and disease.
Yellow Journalism Reports of the Cuban Revolution reached Americans through
newspapers. Two fiercely competitive newspapers, the New York Journal and the New
York World, generated much of the American support for the rebels through their
creatively dramatized stories of Spanish atrocities.
Yes, it would not have occurred because there was no
rallying cry. No, it would have occurred because American
interests were heavily invested in Cuba.
Why might the United States have
considered intervening in the war?
They wanted to protect American business
investments and other interests in Cuba.
The proximity of Cuba to U.S. soil.
How did Cuban rebels deceive Americans
to build support for intervention?
Rebels destroyed American property,
creating an economic incentive for
intervention.
Background
The term yellow journalism evolved from
the name of a comic strip character, the
Yellow Kid, who was drawn by two
different artists in the New York World and
the New York Journal at the same time. The
Yellow Kid strips symbolized the
competition between the two newspapers
and eventually lent its name to their style of
wildly dramatized reporting.
The Coming of War
Spanish Concessions In 1897 President McKinley offered to help negotiate an end to
the conflict but warned the Spanish that the United States was considering military
intervention. Spain made some concessions, including the removal of Weyler, but the
rebels would not negotiate.
USS Maine Explodes Spanish loyalists in Cuba responded to Spain’s concessions with
rioting in Havana. Fearing Americans might be in danger, McKinley sent the battleship
USS Maine to Havana in case they had to be evacuated. On the evening of February 15,
1898, the Maine was ripped apart by an explosion and sank.
Spain Blamed Many Americans, their anger stoked by yellow journalism, believed the
ship was destroyed by Spanish agents. “Remember the Maine!” became the rallying cry
for those demanding a declaration of war against Spain.
Congress Acts On April 11, 1898, McKinley asked Congress to authorize the use of
force. A week later, Congress recognized Cuba’s independence, insisted that Spain leave
the island, and approved the use of armed force if necessary.
War Declared On April 24, 1898, Spain declared war on the United States. The next
day, the United States declared war on Spain.
Do you think if the USS Maine had not been
destroyed, the Spanish-American War would
not have occurred? Why or why not?
Yes, it would not have occurred because there was
no rallying cry. No, it would have occurred
because American interests were heavily invested
in Cuba.