Spanish American War Project

By Ellie W
  • U.S attempt to buy Cuba

    U.S attempt to buy Cuba

    The U.S had always wanted to buy Cuba but in 1854, the Spanish made it clear that they did not want the U.S. to buy it. This is important because it was the reason America went to war with the Spanish, starting the Spanish American War.
  • Cuba's first war for independence

    Cuba's first war for independence

    The U.S. had sympathy, but no action for the Cubans when they first rebelled against Spain in 1868-1878. This is important because it showed that at first, America did not want to get involved with the war, but felt still bad for Cuba.
  • Jose Marti led Cuba's second war for independence

    Jose Marti led Cuba's second war for independence

    People who were against Spanish sentiment in Cuba erupted into a second war for independence. Jose Marti, a Cuban journalist, and poet launched a revolution. He organized resistance against Spain and destroyed the American-owned sugar mills and plantations. This is important because America joined to save and protect their investments and help the Cubans gain independence.
  • Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba by Spain

    Valeriano Weyler was sent to Cuba by Spain

    In response to the Cuban revolt, Spain sent General Valeriano Weyler to Cuba to restore order. Weyler was responsible for rounding Cubans up and putting them in concentration camps. He did this so that civilians were unable to give support to the rebels. Thousands died of hunger or disease. This is important because it was a motivation for America to go to war against Spain in order to free the Cubans.
  • The Yellow Press

    The Yellow Press

    The Yellow Press started becoming popular in 1898 and introduced using cartoon characters that represented events and people. This is very important because it had a big influence on the war. As the publicity of events grew in newspapers, people got more excited and interested in the war and how it would result. People would be so inspired by the Yellow Press, that they would volunteer to contribute to the war. The rival companies encouraged war in order to sell more papers.
  • Publication of the De Lome Letter

    Publication of the De Lome Letter

    This letter was used to criticize President McKinley, calling him "weak" and "a bidder for the admiration of the crowd". As a result, the Spanish government was embarrassed, and the Americans were enraged. This made tensions high, and the war more desired.
  • Explosion of the USS Maine

    Explosion of the USS Maine

    The USS Maine was camped at the Habor of Havanna when something or someone blew up the ship. There were more than 260 casualties. An award of $50,000 was offered to whoever could find the person responsible. This was important because America was extremely mad, and the event was a huge encouragement to start a war with Spain.
  • The U.S. declares war on Spain

    The U.S. declares war on Spain

    America felt bad for the Cubans who were being held hostage in concentration camps. Spain did this to take out anyone who was rebellious. America had also been wanting to buy Cuba for many years, which encouraged the war. This is important because it was the official start of the Spanish American War.
  • U.S. invades Cuba

    U.S. invades Cuba

    The U.S. invaded Cuba after many motivations, including the explosion of the USS Maine. This is important because it represents the beginning of America trying to gain an empire.
  • The Navel blockade of Cuba

    The Navel blockade of Cuba

    This took place in the Caribbean when hostiles began with a naval blockade of Cuba. Admiral William T. Sampson effectively sealed up the Spanish fleet in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. This is important because it showed how powerful the American navy was, and helped America win the war.
  • Destruction of the Spanish fleet in Cuba

    Destruction of the Spanish fleet in Cuba

    An escape attempt that the Spanish made to try to get free from the American blockade at the Santino Harbor. It was a naval battle that represented the end of the fighting in Cuba.
  • U.S. attack on Manila Bay

    U.S. attack on Manila Bay

    The day after the American fleet, George Dewey gave the command to open fire at the Spanish in Manila Bay. After a few hours, every Spanish ship had been destroyed. This is important because it allowed U.S. troops to land in the Philippines and take control of it.
  • Battle of San Juan Hill

    Battle of San Juan Hill

    An army of 17,000, including African Americans, who were under the command of Lenard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt landed in Cuba. After a dramatic charge up Kettle Hill, the strategic infantry attack secured the victory on San Juan Hill. This is important because it forced the Spanish to surrender their forces and navy, resulting in a quick end to the war.
  • Capture of Puerto Rico

    Capture of Puerto Rico

    During the Spanish American War, U.S. forces launched their invasion of Puerto Rico. There was little resistance with only 7 deaths. They secured the island by mid-August. This event shows how America was interested in empire building.
  • Armistice is signed between the U.S. and Spain

    Armistice is signed between the U.S. and Spain

    This was a cease-fire agreement ending "a splendid little war". The war had only lasted 15 weeks. This is important because it was the agreement between America and Spain to end the active combat of the war.
  • Spanish surrender the Philippians.

    Spanish surrender the Philippians.

    American troops teamed up with the Phillippean rebels led by Emilio Aguinaldo. This helped America get the Philippians from the Spanish.
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris

    The United States and Spain met in Paris to agree and sign a treaty. In this treaty, Spain freed Cuba and gave over the islands of Guam and Puerto Rico. They also sold the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000. This is important because it fulfills the agreements between Spain and America after America won the war. It also accomplished the main reason why America went to war with Spain: to free the Cubans.