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America wanted to purchase Cuba because of its proximity to Florida, but Spain said that they would rather see Cuba sink. This is important because it shows America's interest in Cuba and why they helped them.
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Cubans tried to gain their independence by rebelling against Spain, which resulted in the 10 Year War. Cubans were unsuccessful in gaining their independence but managed to force Spain to abolish slavery.
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José Martí, a Cuban journalist and poet, organized a second rebellion against Spain. Martí died in the first battle against Spain. -
Most Americans thought that the rebellion in Cuba was far worse than it actually was because of the Yellow Press. The Yellow Press would overexaggerate the events happening in Cuba and publish gory images of the war. This is important because it helped increase American sympathy for Cubans. -
Due to the Cubans' rebellion, Spain sent Valeriano Weyler to fix their behavior. He created concentration camps and put the loyal Cubans in them, and shot the ones not in the concentration camps. Loyal Cubans were forgotten about, and most of them died from malnutrition and dehydration. This is important because it showed that Spain was willing to do anything to keep Cuba. -
President McKinley tried his best to avoid entering the war by using diplomatic relations. Months later, the New York Journal released a letter that Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish minister to the U.S. , wrote a letter bashing President McKinley. -
McKinley sent the U.S.S. Maine to Cuba to show support for Cubans, but soon after, it exploded. Though there is no proof it was Spain, most Americans blamed them. This was McKinley's breaking point. He went to congress and asked for their permission to start the war. -
U.S. Commodore George Dewey located the Spanish fleet off the coast of the Philipines and attacked them until they surrendered. -
U.S. Army Fifth Corps fought Spanish forces at San Juan Hill. The U.S. won. -
The U.S. Navy was sent to the shore of Cuba and enforced a naval Blockade, making it so Spain couldn't import bombs or other weapons. This is important because it shows the dominance that the U.S. held.
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16,000 American troops invaded Puerto Rico to liberate Puerto Ricans from Spain. After the War, Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. -
Superior naval gunnery and seamanship prevailed, and the whole Spanish fleet was stuck with minimal casualties for the Americans. -
A ceasefire agreement that ended active conflict was signed in Washington D.C. Even though the active conflict was over, the war wouldn't be over until a treaty was signed. -
Spanish forces were attacked by the U.S. The Spanish lost over 370 troops while the U.S. lost less than 10.
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The United States and Spain met in Paris to agree on a treaty. Spain freed Cuba and gave the islands of Guam and Puerto Rico to the U.S. The United States bought the Philippines from Spain for $20 million. It was important because the annexation was approved and the U.S. had an empire that included Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.