-
A U.S. Minister in Cuba by the name of Soule, met with other U.S. Ministers to discuss a document called the Ostend Manifesto that highlighted the reasons why the U.S. should purchase Cuba. However, after the news of this document was leaked, the officials received backlash on these intents. People were not fond of the idea that there was slavery in Cuba and therefore the U.S. would be owning slaves. -
The 10 years war, as it is called, was a series of violent outbursts by rebels against the Cuban government, more importantly, Spain. Civilians of Cuba were frustrated with the slavery and terrible treatment the Spanish inflicted upon them.
-
Beginning in 1890, major news publishers Joseph Pulitzer and William Hearst, used their influence on the public to enforce the need to assist Cuba in their fight for independence. These men used exaggerated stories and false details such as the De Lome letter to excite public opinion. -
Jose Marti was a Cuban poet and journalist that had been previously exiled from Cuba at the age of 16 for his rebellious acts. From his home in New York City, he formed a Cuban resistance using a guerrilla campaign destroying American sugar property in hopes of getting America involved. He successfully did so and was killed in battle in 1895. -
Valeriano Weyler was a Spanish General sent to Cuba in hopes that he might restore order. His response to the rebellious acts was inhuman and hence he was viewed by Americans as "The Butcher". Weyler set up concentration camps with the intent to single out rebels but instead, he killed bushels of Cubans by starving them and not providing them with doctors or medicine to cure diseases. -
This letter was written by the Spanish Ambassador and was meant for Spanish authorities in Cuba but was stolen by rebels and sold to a U.S. paper company. It was then published as a letter insulting the President and therefore causing an uproar of defense. -
Just days after the De Lome letter was published, a U.S. warship docked on the harbor of Havana, blew up. Though direct evidence about who really did it has never been brought forward, the people of America could not help but assume that the horrible people of Spain were responsible. More than 260 men were killed. -
Following the mysterious eruption of the U.S.S Maine, Americans could no longer obtain their desire to go to war with Spain. Though the Spanish attempted to belittle the issue, President McKinley asked permission to use force on Spain. On April 20, Congress agreed, and hence the U.S. declared war on Spain. -
After Congress granted President McKinley the right to use force against Spain, troops began to invade Cuba. Our Naval fleet began by creating a blockade while another fleet in the Philippines took over Manila Bay. -
After the confirmation of war against Spain was announced, a fleet of U.S. battleships traveled to Cuba intending to surround the Spanish fleet at Cuba. When they arrived on the 23 of April, they began to form a wall of battleships, preventing any warships belonging to Spain from leaving. -
Though the Spanish thought the U.S. would first attack Cuba, an American fleet led by George Dewey open-fired on a Spanish fleet in the Capitol of the Philippines. Dewey and his men only took a few hours to abolish the Spanish fleet, allowing troops to go ashore. -
On July 1, following the previous victory of Teddy R. and his Rough Riders, two calvaries of African-Americans and Teddy's volunteer troops overtook San Juan Hill. This victory was important because it provided the U.S. with a strategic advantage. Teddy was praised as the hero of this battle, but truthfully, he and his Rough Riders provided little help. -
On July 3rd, the Naval Blockade began to fire at the Spanish fleet. Spanish soldiers were attempting to flee, following the Battle of San Juan Hill. However, they couldn't escape the seal of the Naval Blockade. Every last Spanish ship was destroyed. This, in a way, symbolized the end of the once great Spanish Empire. -
Following the embarrassing defeat of the Battle of Manilla Bay, Spain surrendered the city and therefore surrendering the Philippines to the Americans. The ownership America had on the Philippines would later be debated during the Treaty of Paris. -
The meek, 15-week war came to a cease-fire when America and Spain signed the Armistice. This brought the fighting to an end. -
Near the end of the Spanish-American War, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico. Due to the small amount of push back against this, America overtook Puerto Rico. This brought an end to their 1 year of independence and freedom. Puerto Rico was officially America's when the Treaty was signed. -
The Treaty of Paris was designed to clarify what the parties involved in the war "won". It was discussed that the U.S would get Cuba, Puerto Rico, the islands of Guam along with buying the Philippines. Though it may seem simple, there was a debate on whether it was ok for the U.S. to do so because of our negative thoughts about empire building. However, on February 6, 1899, the Treaty was approved by the Senate.