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Diplomats told President Franklin Pierce that America should purchase Cuba. Spain responded saying that they would rather see Cuba sink into the ocean than be purchased by America. This is an important part of history because it was one of the first times America showed interest in Cuba. -
In 1868-1878, America sympathized with Cuba but did not get involved. When the war ended, Spain promised to Abolish slavery but did not fulfill this until 1886. Spain also promised to give Cuba more self-government, but this was never fulfilled -
In the mid-1890s William Randolph Hearst and Joseph
Pulitzer led the development of a new type of journalism. It was more dramatic, romantic, and even exaggerated. It gets more people to read the newspapers therefore helping their businesses grow. The yellow press was significant because it made what was going on in Cuba seem even worse than it was. This made people want war even more -
José Marti led a group of people against Spain. They began to deliberately destroy property, especially American-owned plantations and sugar mills. José Marti targeted American-owned properties because he believed that if they were able to get Americans to help them, they would increase their chances of being free from Spain. This event was very significant because it started to get the Americans involved in the war. -
After Cuba's revolt, Spain sent Valeriano Weyler to Cuba. They sent him to restore order. He tried to stop the rebellion by putting the rural population of central and western Cuba in concentration camps. This was to stop these people from helping the rebels. This -
Although the army was not net completely prepared with guns, good leaders, and attire suited for the Cuban climate, they entered Cuba in June of 1898. During this time, they entered the port city of Santiago and went through the jungles. This event was significant because it was when America entered Cuba to fight. Although the fighting did not start right away, it began shortly later. Without this event, the battle in Cuba would not have been possible. -
The York Jornal published a private letter written by Enrique Dupuy de Lôme written to Don José Canelejas who was a Spanish politician. The letter criticized President McKinley saying he was week and bedder. Although the Spanish government apologized and Enrique Dupuy de Lôme resigned, Americans were still angry. This is significant because it increased the support in a war with Spain. I created an excuse or reason to be even angrier at Spain. -
President McKinley ordered the U.U.S. Maine to go to Cuba to bring home Americans that were in danger of the fighting and to protect American property. While the ship was in the Havana harbor, it blew up killing more than 260 men. It was not known who or how it blew up. Newspapers later claimed that the Spanish were to blame, but that was never confirmed. This event was significant because it became a war cry, "Remember the Maine" and it made Americans even more outraged at Spain. -
On April 20, 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain. This started the Spanish-American war that would lead to a lot of fighting, deaths, and gaining new land. This event was very significant in the empire-building of America. -
At Manila Bay in the Philippines, the U.S. Asiatic Squadron defeated the Spanish fleet destroying every one of the Spanish ships that were there. The U.S. had the support of the Filipinos because similar to the Cubans, wanted to be free from the Spanish. This victory allowed U.S. forces to get into the Philippines. This is very significant because it was the beginning of defeating Spain. -
After the charge on Kettle Hill, the Rough Riders, Theodor Roosevelt, and other members of the US forces beat Spain near Santiago. This event was significant because it led right into the surrender of Spain. Without this event, the war may have continued. -
Just after defeating the Spanish in the Battle of San Juan Hill, America set up a Naval blockade in the harbor of Santiago. The Spanish fleet tried to escape but was unable to. This resulted in a naval battle along the coast of Cuba. This event was significant because it helped lead to the capture of Puerto Rico. It also helped America to win the war. -
As a result of the Nabal blockade of Cuba, America and Spain continued to fight on the coast of Cuba. As the fighting when on, more Spanish ships were ruined, and America won the battle. The result of the battle was the destruction of the Spanish fleet. This was significant because it was another battle the Americans won, therefore, leading to winning the war. -
After 15 weeks of fighting, America and Spain signed the armistice. The armistice was a ceasefire agreement that ended the fighting of the Spanish-American war. This agreement was significant because it was the end of the fighting and the begging of agrement. -
On August 12, the U.S. and Spain sign a cease-fire agreement. This ended the 15 weeks of fighting. On December 10, 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Spanish American War. This treaty declared Cuba independent, gave Guam to the U.S., Puerto Rico to the U.S., and sold the Philipines to for $20 million. This event was very significant because it officially ended the war, freed Cuba, and helped to gain an empire for America. -
After this victory of the naval blockade, American forces invaded Puerto Rico. By mid-August, America was able to secure the island. After the signing of the armistice, the island was turned over to American forces. In Dember when the Treaty of Paris was signed, the island was officially America This event was significant because it helped American gain its' empire while helping the Puerto Ricans. -
During the peace talks, while creating the Treaty of Paris, Spain agreed to sell Philipines to America for $20 million. After this, there was a lot of debate about if the U.S. had the right to annex the Philippines. It wasn't until February 6, 1899, that the Senate approved the Treaty of Paris, ending the debate. This event was significant because along with losing the island of Guam, it significantly decreased the world power of Spain. It also helped to gain an American Empire