Sensationalism◦Full of exaggeration and bias

New York newspaper rivals◦Joseph Pulitzer (New York World)◦William R. Hearst (New York Journal)

James Creelman◦Reporter◦Got public excited about Cuba

The Cuban Melodrama. The NOBLE HERO (to the HEAVY VILLAIN): “Stand Back, there, gold darn ye! – If you force this thing to a fifth act, remember that’s where I git in my work!” (Puck, 3 June 1896)

The Spanish American War of 1898

Cuba in revolt, 1895 ◦US Tariff on sugar, 1894

◦Gen. Valerio “Butcher” Weyler

◦Cubans in concentration camps

de Lôme Letter (Feb. 1898)◦ Spanish ambassador insults McKinley

◦ "... McKinley is: weak and catering to the rabble, and, besides, a low politician, who desires to leave a door open to me and to stand well with the jingoes of his party."

Destroyed in Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898

Free and Independent Cuba “[the United States] hereby disclaims any

disposition of intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over said island except for pacification thereof, and asserts its determination, when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people.”

April 1898

What do you think was the most important cause of the war?

April 25, 1898 - US Declares War

US President elected 1896

Imperialist

Friend of big business

Criticized for slow response to Spain

Brash, young politician

Secretary of the Navy

Resigns at war’s outset to fight in Cuba◦ “Rough Riders”

Admiral of the US Navy

Sent to Pacific by Roosevelt

Engages Spanish at Manila

Leader of Philippine independence movement

The Philippines in revolt in 1896

Asks US to help

Battles◦ San Juan Hill July 1, 1898

◦ Santiago July 16, 1898

◦ Spanish forces surrender

May, 1898◦ US Warships visit

San Juan Harbor◦ Begin

bombardment

Island secured by July with little resistance

May 1, 1898

◦Dewey sails into Manila harbor

◦Decimates Spanish fleet

460 Americans die in battle◦5,200 die of disease

US needs to decide what to do with Spain and former colonies◦Negotiators head to Paris for treaty talks