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U.S. attempt to purchase Cuba
Diplomats recommended that President Franklin Pierce buy Cuba from Spain. Spain responded by saying they would rather have Cuba destroyed. This event made America understand that they weren't going to take over Cuba diplomatically. -
Cuba's First War for Independence
The Cuban people unsuccessfully rebelled against Spain and only managed to abolish slavery. Immediately following this, America started investing heavily in Cuba's sugar industry. -
José Martí leads Cuba's second war for independence
José Martí was a poet and journalist who launched a revolution in Cuba with the motto Cuba Libre! (a free Cuba). He helped get America involved by actively destroying property, especially American owned sugar plantations. -
Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba by Spain
In response to the Cuban revolt, Spain sent Valeriano Wyler to Cuba in order to restore order. He sent hundreds of thousands of Cuban civilians to concentration camps to prevent them from aiding rebels. Thousands of Cubans died from hunger and disease in these camps. -
The yellow press shapes America's Opinions about Cuba
Bill Hearst and Joe Pulitzer lead competing newspaper companies, but they both knew that war sells newspapers. They employed "yellow Journalism" a strategy where stories are warped and exaggerated to sell more or to shape public opinion. The newspapers caused great hate towards Spain and support for Cubans from the Americans. -
The De Lome letter
Enrique Dupuy de Lôme wrote a letter, which was stolen and leaked into the news. The letter criticized the President of being weak and caused angry Americans. Enrique Dupuy de Lôme soon stepped down from his position. This cause some of the earlier hate towards Spain from the American people. -
Explosion of the U.S.S. Maine
The U.S.S. Maine was sent to Cuba to pick up Americans who might be in danger of the coming Cuban - Spanish war. The ship blew up in the harbor of Havana, killing more than 260 men. Despite lacking evidence, the newspapers blamed the Spanish which helped to further the Americans fuel for war. -
America declares war on Spain
The explosion of the Maine caused many Americans to want war with Spain. so, Mckinley asked congress for the authority to use force on Spain. This was a turning point where America got committed to war with Spain. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
Admiral William T. Sampson used some ships from the U.S.'s navy to block San Juan Bay in. Spain sent a counterattack to try and break through the blockade, but failed. This helped the U.S. to capture the Cuban city of San Juan. -
U.S. Attack on Manila Bay
Commodore George Dewey gave the command to open fire on the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Only a few hours later, the entire fleet was destroyed. this was a major flex of the superior naval power of America. -
U.S. Invades Cuba
After the naval battle, in the port of Santiago, The American army of 13,000 ill-trained soldiers and 4,000 Cuban Rebels started their assault on Cuba by converging on the city. Before Spain surrendered, Yellow fever and malaria started infecting many U.S. troops, which prompted America to remove it's soldiers quickly after the fighting. This siege ended most of the fighting in Cuba. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
The Rough Riders and two African-American regiments cleared the way for an infantry attack on the strategically important San Juan Hill. Despite his small role in the victory, Theodore Rosevelt was declared a hero in that battle. This event, along with the newspaper's story, shaped America's opinion about Teddy R. They now saw him as a hero which likely helped him get elected in 1904. -
Destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Cuba
The Spanish fleet tried to escape the blockade at the harbor of Santiago. This resulted in a battle on the Cuban coast, which resulted in the destruction of the entire Spanish fleet. Without a navy presence in that area, Spain had no way of gaining any more ground against the U.S. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
Following the destruction of the Spanish fleet, Americans invaded Puerto Rico. This was one of the last battles between the two countries. -
Armistice is signed between the U.S. and Spain
The U.S. and Spain signed a cease-fire agreement after fighting for only 15 weeks. This was the end of the fighting and allowed the two nations to move forward to a treaty. -
Spanish Surrender to the Philippines
Commodore George Dewey gave the command to open fire on the Spanish fleet at the Philippine capital, Manila. In only a few hours, the entire fleet was destroyed and U.S. troops were able to land in the Philippines. Over the next two months, 11,000 Americans joined forces with Filipino rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo. Finally, in August, Spanish troops at Manila surrendered to the U.S. Spain did not expect the U.S. to go for the Philippines before Taking Cuba. -
Treaty of Paris of 1898
In December, the U.S. and Spain met in Paris to agree on a treaty. After peace talks, Spain gave the islands of Guam in the Pacific and Puerto Rico in the West Indies to the U.S. for $20 million. This was the actual conclusion of the Spanish American war. It was also how the U.S. gained several territories.
