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Spanish American War
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The DeLome Letter
Don Dupuy de Lôme was Spain's ambassador to the United States, and in late 1897 he wrote a personal letter to a friend. Unknown persons intercepted and stole the letter, whose wide-ranging insults of such parties as the press, the British, and the Cuban insurgents also touched on President McKinley, essentially calling him spineless.Dupuy de Lome's letter left Spain further demonized and the U.S. calling for action. These forces pushed the United States closer to war. -
Sinking of the USS Maine
The USS Maine ship blew up and made the U.S. blame Spain for the death of many soldiers and crewmen in the explosion, 266 out of 370. Despite Spanish efforts to offer more autonomy to Cuba as a conciliatory gesture, war became inevitable, with a battle cry of "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!" sweeping the nation. -
U.S. Declaration of War on Spain
The rebelious response from Spain made the US declare war. President McKinley reluctantly succumbed to pressure and asked Congress to declare war on April 21. Congress obliged on April 25, 1898. The US won and as the US began to expand Spain began to degrade. -
Attack on Manila Bay
In a few hours, on 1 May 1898, Commodore George Dewey and his squadron annihilated the Spanish fleet without the loss of a single American life, and blockaded Manila. This dramatic victory made Dewey a popular hero and began a chain of events that led to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines. -
Battle of San Juan Hill
United States forces, including Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, defeated greatly outnumbered Spanish forces. The most famous battle in the war because it was a big victory for Roosevelt and his country. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of Peace signed between Spain and the United States to end the Spanish-American War, in Paris.
