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The US Attempts to Purchase Cuba
The US had a great interest in Cuba and attempted to buy it in 1854, but the Spanish didn't give in. This is important because this is a reason why America later decided to go to war with Spain. -
Cuba's First War for Independence
Cuba starts to rebel against Spain to try to gain independence. This is important because it will eventually lead to the 2nd war for independence, which leads to the Spanish-American War. -
Jose Marti Leads Cuba's Second War for Independence
Jose Marti leads the 2nd war for independence with his inspiring, revolutionary type of writing. This is important because the 2nd war is what grabbed America's attention -
Spain Sends Weyler to Cuba
To deal with the 2nd Cuban revolution, Spain sent Weyler to Cuba to try to restore order. Because of the Cubans guerilla tactics, Weyler thought it would be a good idea to keep every civilian in camps so they could figure out who was fighting and who wasn't. This didn't go as planned, as many people starved to the cause of poor planning. This is important because this increased the chances of the US joining the war because they would want to "save" the Cubans. -
Yellow Press Shaping Public Opinion
This started to occur around the time the news broke out about the camps being held by Weyler. This was important because this made the public want to go to war with Spain, and the public's opinion was important to McKinley -
Publication of the De Lome Letter
A letter insulting President McKinley was published by New York Journal. This was important because it set off the American people and increased the chances of the Spanish-American War happening. -
USS Maine Explodes
After being sent to Cuba, the great battleship exploded. It is unknown as to why it exploded, but most assumed it was the Spanish. This is very important because this was the straw that broke the camels back for the US, as it led to war against Spain. -
America Declares War on Spain
America finally declares war on Spain. It is important because this increases the chances of the Cuban people winning the war. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
Simpson established a naval blockade that soon extended to the coast of Cuba. This was important because this would give the US naval assistance. -
US Attacks Manila Bay
The US attacks Manila Bay, which is located in the Philippines. This is important because this victory allowed the U.S. troops to land in the Philippines -
The Spanish surrender the Philippines
On August 13th, Spain soldiers surrender the Philippines. This is important because this was an important victory for the US that led to the end of the war. -
US Invades Cuba
In June of 1898, US forces finally invade Cuba. This is important because this led to The Battle of San Juan Hill and other American victories in Cuba -
Battle of San Juan Hill
This was the most significant victory for the United States in the War. This is important because this was one of the main reasons why the US won the war -
Destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Cuba
After the Battle of San Juan Hill, the Spanish fleet tried to escape. Before they could escape, a naval battle ensued, resulting in the destruction of the Spanish fleet. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
The US invades Puerto Rico on July 25th and captures it on August 13th. This is an important victory because this took away land from Spain and gave the US a better chance to win the war. -
Armistice is Signed
Armistice is signed, and battling comes to an end. This is important because it is the unofficial end of the war. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War. This was important because this finally granted the Cuban people their independence.