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U.S. Attempts to Purchase Cuba
The United States held an interest in Cuba for a long time. In 1854 American Diplomats recommended to President Franklin Pierce that the United States should buy Cuba from Spain. This was partly because Cuba lay only 90 miles south of Florida. Although the Spanish responded to this by saying they would rather see Cuba sunk in the ocean, this did not stop the interest in Cuba. This event was important because it started/ encouraged the U.S. to want Cuba. -
José Martí Led Cuba's Second War for Independence
José Martí led in a revolution against Spain. In this revolution, they destroyed property like American-owned sugar mills and plantations. The public was split on how the government should handle the war. The second war was successful and it was important because it got Americans involved in the revolution. -
Cuba's First War for Independence
Cuba's first war for independence involved American Diplomats. Angry Cubans rebelled against Cuba and Americans felt bad for the Cubans in the first war. Although the war was unsuccessful this event was important because American's were aiming to help the Cubans in a number of ways. -
The Yellow Press Began to Shape American Public Opinion With Respect to Cuba's Civil War
The yellow press became very popular because of its way of publicizing stories. The yellow press exaggerated stories about the Cuban Revolution. This was important because it brought more sympathy to the Americans for the Cuban rebels. The Yellow Press papers also encouraged Americans to later want war after the USS Maine exploded. -
Valeriano Weyler Was Sent to Cuba by Spain
Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba in order to restore order. He tried to crush the rebellion by sending the rural population of central and western Cuba into concentration camps. Around 300,000 Cubans filled these camps and many died from hunger and/or diseases. This event was important because Weyler was named the governor and killed lots of the Cuban population through his concentration camps -
Battle of San Juan Hill
This battle is often well known because Teddy Roosevelt led the rough riders on an attack on Spain. These Americans attacked the Spanish near the Cuban city of Santiago. The battle of San Juan Hill was important because it led to the popularity of Teddy Roosevelt who would later become the president. -
Publication of the De Lome Letter
The De Lome Letter was written by a Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. When the letter was stolen from the mail by Cuban revolutionists it was released to the press. The press was called the Hearst Press that was run by William Randolph Hearst. This event was important because this letter was supposed to be private, but was made public The release of this letter also angered President McKinley because of the remarks made towards him. -
Explosion of the USS Maine
On this date, an unknown explosion sank the U.S. Battleship Maine in Havana, Cuba, Harbor and killed 266 of the 354 crew members. This event was important because it leads to the declaration of war. -
Naval Blockade of Cuba
The secretary of the Navy, John D. Long came up with a plan to close the ports along the western half of Cuba's northern coast. This plan was later put into action by William T. Sampson to create the naval blockade of Cuba. This plan was very effective because the U.S. Navy was so powerful. This was important because it kept the Spanish in Cuba. -
U.S. Declares War on Spain
The U.S. declared war on Spain after the Battleship Maine was sunk in the Havana Harbor. Spain was thought to be at fault for the sinking of the ship which led to the declaration. This event was important because a war would break out upon the two countries that resulted in victory for the United States -
U.S. Attack on Manila Bay
On April 30 the U.S. fleet in the Pacific left for the Philippines. The next morning, under the control of George Dewey, the U.S. Navy attacked the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Within only a few hours the U.S. had defeated all of the Spanish ships. This event was important because the victory allowed the U.S. troops to land in the Philippines. -
U.S. Invades Cuba
Cuba had been fighting against Spain for many years. America was interested in Cuba but was not able to buy it, so the Cuban rebels got the U.S. involved in their revolution. This was important because it helped the Cubans gain freedom from Spain and would later help the U.S. get Cuba. -
Destruction of the Spanish Fleet in Cuba
The Spanish attempted to leave the harbor at Santiago after the Battle of San Juan Hill, but the U.S. blockade destroyed the Spanish fleet. This was important because they later invaded Puerto Rico because of defeating them. -
Capture of Puerto Rico
After destroying the Spanish fleet in Cuba, the United States invaded Puerto Rico. In doing so they had little difficulty in capturing the island. This event was important because Puerto Rico became a possession of the U.S. -
Spanish Surrender to the Philippines
The Filipinos wanted freedom from Spain so when the U.S. attacked the Spanish fleet in the Philippines, they were supported by the citizens. American troops and Filipino rebels worked together to make the Spanish troops surrender. This was important because the Spanish surrendered. -
Armistice is Signed Between the U.S. and Spain
The U.S. and Spain agree to cease-fire after fifteen weeks of fighting one another. This event was important because it led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris. -
Treaty of Paris of 1898
The Treaty of Paris was signed by both Spain and the United States in December of 1898. It was an agreement made by both sides to stop the war. Although the U.S. wasn't known for imperialism this treaty was known as an act of imperialism. This made some people dislike the treaty. This event was important because it stopped the war.