The Spanish American War began as Americans wanted to expel Spain from the Americas and give Cuba independence. The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor, though likely caused by an internal explosion, was blamed on Spain and inflamed public support for war. The US also saw the war as an opportunity to expand its territory in the Pacific, which resulted in acquiring Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, and Puerto Rico after defeating Spain. Yellow journalism by the media exaggerated reports and falsely blamed Spain for sinking the Maine, further increasing public demand for war against Spain.

1. Spanish American War By: Michael Grabis and Marko Kostich

2. Reasons for Going to War Americans wanted to run the Spaniards out of the American Hemisphere, due to America’s needs for further expansion The ship Maine exploded, Americans were furious for revenge (even though Spain didn’t destroy the ship) Americans wanted to give Cuba freedom from the clutches of Spain

3. WhyWar? (Part 1) Well, as the book says, America “naturally wanted to side with the revolutionaries” (pg. 152). Newspapers released scary, even fake, stories about what was going on between everyone. It all started with America just wanting to kick nasty Spain’s butt out of the “American” hemisphere, which happened to include their Cuban neighbors.

4. WhyWar? (Part 2) The USA battleship Maine sailed into the Havana harbor, and in reality, it’s engine exploded, causing it to blow up into bits and pieces, killing many soldiers on the ship. The newspapers needed more juice for its readers, however, and said the Spaniards had attacked it with new bombing machines. Americans were infuriated. Just like at Haymarket, panic took over, and all the public/congress/president wanted was war.

5. U.S Battleship Maine This was the ship that the Americans thought Spain exploded. Due to investigations in 1976, it was due to an inner hull explosion.

6. WhyWar? (Part 3) Another reason for this war was another opportunity for America to expand. By getting rid of all these interfering Spaniards, they could claim whatever land wasn’t taken. As a result of this war, America got territories ranging from Hawaii, Philippines, Guam and Wake Island, to all the way to Puerto Rico. Don’t think the government didn’t have this in mind while fighting and going to war. And, with all these new territories, they could expand their people, land, and their natural resources.

7. Reasons for America Wanting Certain Islands It will keep open markets for trading with China Americans were greedy for land Needed extra land for expanding Keep control over the middle of the Pacific Ocean, such as bases on remote islands, and harbors/ports for military regulation Unique land conditions, good weather for farming Quicker trade routes to near Asia and Australia

8. Heroes Vs. Villains Heroes: William McKinley: soldier and president, had experience Theodore Roosevelt: organized battles for war, changed cavalry into “Weary Walkers” Admiral Dewey: sank every Spanish ship in Manila Bay Villains: Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand: controlled Cuba William McKinley: was a coward, gave in to the decision of war Mark Hanna: disapproved of T.R’s presidency Media: falsely reporting news, for more readers (yellow journalism) Americans (citizens):wanted war, and to run Spain out

9. The Media: Good or Bad? Throughout the war, few reporters told the truth about the war. Majority of the people made up facts to impress the public, to grab reader’s attention. Yellow journalism was the name of the crime. Americans didn’t find out until later. For example, they wrote that the US Battleship Maine, was bombed and sunk by the Spaniards. In reality, due to investigations in 1976, the explosion was found to have happened because of internal failure.

10. Spanish American War Newspaper This is a newspaper reporting on the war. The media lied to the public about many things during the war, so more people would be interested in it. This was called Yellow Journalism.

11. The Results Are In The North and South, mended many Civil War oppositions, thus uniting them back as one nation. More islands meant more resources, and better production of the country. This could also help protect the mainland. Cuba was now free, US attained many commonwealths.