-
Maine sinks in Harobr
At 9:40 pm on February 15 1898, Maine sank in the harbor after suffering a massive explosion. While McKinley preached patience, the news of the explosion and the death of 266 sailors stirred popular American opinion into demanding a swift belligerent response. McKinley asked Congress to appropriate $50 million for defense, and Congress unanimously obliged. -
United States says War is the only Answer
Senator Redfield Proctor's speech—delivered on March 17, 1898—thoroughly analyzed the situation, concluding that war was the only answer. The speech helped provide one final push for the United States to declare war -
The Spanish Lands
The Spanish had first landed in the Philippines on March 17, 1521. -
Spain not Guilty for Maine
The U.S. Navy’s investigation, made public on March 28, concluded that the ship’s powder magazines were ignited when an external explosion was set off under the ship’s hull. This report poured fuel on popular indignation in the U.S., making the war inevitable -
United States goes to attack Spain
The amended resolution demanded Spanish withdrawal and authorized the President to use as much military force as he thought necessary to help Cuba gain independence from Spain. President McKinley signed the joint resolution on April 20, 1898, and the ultimatum was sent to Spain. -
Spain breaks off diplomatic relations
Spain broke off diplomatic relations with the United States on April 21. On the same day, the U.S. Navy began a blockade of Cuba -
US Defeats Spanish Squadron
On 1 May, Commodore George Dewey, commanding the U.S. Navy's Asiatic Squadron aboard USS Olympia, in a matter of hours defeated a Spanish squadron under Admiral Patricio Montojo. Dewey managed this with only nine wounded. -
US Navy prepares
The Navy was ready, but the Army was not well-prepared for the war and made radical changes in plans and quickly purchased supplies. In the spring of 1898, the strength of the Regular U.S. Army was just 28,000 men. -
Aguinaldo proclaims independance of Philippines
On 12 June, Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Philippines. -
Capture of Manila Bay
On 13 August, with American commanders unaware that a cease-fire had been signed between Spain and the U.S. on the previous day, American forces captured the Manila Bay from the Spanish.
