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Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris of 1763 ended the French and Indian War/Seven Years' War between Great Britain and France, as well as their respective allies. In the terms of the treaty, France gave up all its territories in mainland North America, effectively ending any foreign military threat to the British colonies there. -
Yellow Journalism
William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer saw conflict in Cuba as an opportunity to increase sales. Yellow journalism was an attempt to outsell rivals. The influence of yellow journalism fueled public passion for war. -
Cuban Rebellion
Cuba had been ruled by Spain for centuries, Cuban grew frustrated with Spanish authorities by 1895. Reconcentration Policy stripped rebels of their ability to live off land. The policy required Cuban civilians to move from rural areas to camps. -
US Intrests/Trade
The American-Cuban trade value reached $100 million in 1895. Spain and Cuban rebels relied on land to provide for their armies. Both sides would destroy land that their enemies valued. When rioting many Americans lives were endangered. -
U.S.S Maine
On Feb 15, 1898 the U.S.S Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, killing 260 men. U.S.S Maine was an american battleship sent to Cuba on Jan 25, 1898. Pres. William McKinley ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, 13 other ships had fires. Americans thought this was Spain doing but that was not the case -
De Lome Letter
The de Lôme letter, a note written by Señor Don Enrigue Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, to Don José Canelejas, the Foreign Minister of Spain, reveals de Lôme's opinion about the Spanish involvement in Cuba and President McKinley's diplomacy. -
Teddy Roosevelt & Rough Riders
The most famous of all the units fighting in Cuba, the "Rough Riders" was the name given to the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt resigned his position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in May 1898 to join the volunteer cavalry. Roosevelt took control of the entrenchment, forcing Spanish retreat. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
United States forces, including Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, defeated greatly outnumbered Spanish forces at San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill near the Spanish stronghold of Santiago de Cuba. The American press was effusive in its praise of the United States forces. On July 17, the Spanish Army surrendered the city, and all of Cuba, ending the Spanish-American War.