Spanish American War (1854-1898)

  • US tries to purchase Cuba from Spain

    US tries to purchase Cuba from Spain

    In 1854 the US is interested in claiming Cuba as their own, so they make an attempt to buy Cuba from Spain. In their attempt, they fail and Spain's response is that they'd rather watch Cuba sink than sell it to us.
  • Cuba's first war of independence

    Cuba's first war of independence

    The first instance of Cuba trying to win its independence from Spain. The US at this time send its condolences to the Cubans but did not intervene. The end of the war saw the end of slavery after 8 or so years and broken promises from Spain. Ends in 1878 after 10 years.
  • Jose Marti - Cuba's second war for independence

    Jose Marti - Cuba's second war for independence

    The second instance of Cuban revolt against the tyranny of Spain. This war lead to the Spanish-American War and was won by the Americans in 1898. Leader Jose Marti started the war, but only lived to its first battle.
  • Valeriano Weyler sent to Cuba

    Valeriano Weyler sent to Cuba

    Spanish general Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba to hush the war before the Americans got involved due to sugar plantations being destroyed by the revolting Cubans.
  • The Yellow Press

    The Yellow Press

    With things heating up in Cuba, American newspaper companies are cranking out stories from Cuba to try and get America involved in the war. This worked with the Concentration Camps General Weyler was using to the explosion of the USS Maine.
  • Publication of the De Lome Letter

    Publication of the De Lome Letter

    An intercepted letter from Spain to its governor in Cuba ridiculing the American president. This event along with the sinking of the USS Maine was the cause of the Spanish-American War breaking out.
  • Destruction of the USS Maine

    Destruction of the USS Maine

    Along with the publication of the Le Dome Letter, the USS Maine was destroyed in Havana Bay supposedly by a Spanish sea mine which was one of the leading causes of the Spanish-American War.
  • US Navel blockade in Cuba

    US Navel blockade in Cuba

    On the order of the US president, the US Navy was sent to scare Spain out of Cuba. This action by the president led to the declaration of the Spanish-American War.
  • US troops begin campaign in Cuba

    US troops begin campaign in Cuba

    After the USS Maine naval troops responded by beginning to put boots in Cuba in anticipation for the declaration of war.
  • US declares war on Spain

    US declares war on Spain

    After the destruction of the USS Maine and the De Lome letter, the US is fed up with Spain and goes to war with them.
  • Battle of Manila Bay

    Battle of Manila Bay

    The first battle of the Spanish-American War in the Spanish colonies on the Philippino Islands in the Pacific.
  • Battle of San Juan Hill

    Battle of San Juan Hill

    The second major battle of the Spanish-American War. This battle took place in San Juan Hill, Cuba. This attack was led by Joseph Wheeler and TR's Rough Riders.
  • Destruction of Spanish Fleet in Santiago Bay

    Destruction of Spanish Fleet in Santiago Bay

    The Spanish were sending reinforcements to Cuba through Santiago Bay, where their fleet was destroyed by the American blockade keeping Cuba in a siege.
  • US and Spanish Armistice

    US and Spanish Armistice

    An armistice was signed in Cuba by the US and Spain to stop the fighting in Cuba and was the beginning of the end of the Spanish American War.
  • Spanish Surrender in the Philippines

    Spanish Surrender in the Philippines

    After the battle for Manila and the Spanish defeat, they surrendered the Philippines.
  • US capture of Puerto Rico

    US capture of Puerto Rico

    US troops in Puerto Rico finally capture the entire colony as a forfeit in the Spanish American War.
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris

    A treaty proposed by the French signed by the US and Spain officially ending the war.