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President Mckinley
President Mckinley was elected for president on January 29, 1843 till September 14, 1901. President Mckinely was the 25th president. He raised protective tariffs to boost American Industry, and rejected the expansionary monetary policy of free silver, keeping the nation on the gold standard. He was assassinated on September 14, 1901 -
Yellow Journalism
During the 1890's, newspaper entered frenzied competitions for readers. Newspaper began using large, attention grabbing headlines with exaggerated stories. The influence of Yellow Journalism fueled public passion for war. Most historians agree the Spanish-American war was the first war driven by the press. -
Cuban Trade
The American-Cuban trade value reached $100 million in 1895. U.S. investments in Cuba came from Cuba's lucrative sugar plantations.Other investments included mining, iron, coffee, and tobacco. -
Reconcentration Policy
Spain leaders implemented a "Reconcentration Policy" to strip the rebels of their ability to live off the Island. The policy required Cuban civilians to move to camps. Anyone that failed to do so, was shot. The policy had disastrous results. 1/3 of Cuba's population was forced into relocation camps. 30% died from starvation and disease. Over 400,000 Cuba civilians died as a result of the policy. -
Teddy Roosevelt and Rough Riders
When the Spanish-American war begin in 1898 Theodore Roosevelt was serving a highly regarded role as the assistant secretary of the Navy. Roosevelt was promoted to Colonel. Roosevelt joined the 1st U.S. volunteer cavalry. The cavalry included hunters, gamblers, cowboys, athletes, college men, Buffalo soldiers, and Native Americans. The group was known as Roosevelt's Rough Riders. -
USS Maine
9:40 PM the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbour, killing over 200 men. Of that perished, only 200 bodies were recovered and 76 identified. The USS Maine was an America Battleship sent to Cubs's capital on January 25, 1898. As tensions increased, American officials decided to send a battleship to protect American interests on the Island. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
The Battle of Scan Juan Hill was a major battle in the Spanish-American war. Roosevelt was also a part of the battle. He ordered a charge leading his men up the hill. He charged up two times. The second charge was a success. 89 of 490 Rough Riders were killed or wounded in the battle. Roosevelt's leadership and personal bravery were the strongest elements leading to that day's crucial victory. -
Treaty of Paris
In less than four months Spanish forces were defeated and the Treaty of Paris ended the war. As a result of the war America gained control of Spain's former colonies, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Triumph in the Spanish-American war helped America emerge as a new world power. America earned newfound respect and prestige.