Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Spanish-American war - Coggle Diagram
Spanish-American war
back ground
Spanish background
Spain, however, was at its decline of its empire by the late 19th century, and was struggling to maintain it's colonies.
Spain's economy was also weak, burdened by the costs of wars, and relied heavily on colonies.
The Spain navy was getting old at the time, with wooden ships that cannot handle attacks from modern steel boats.
-
American background
The U.S. was having a rise in nationalism in the late 19th century, who called for the U.S. to expand its influence.
In the U.S., there was significant industrial growth, especially in manufacturing and trade. Also, the U.S. had economic investments in Cuba.
The U.S. also had a modernized navy, they were equipped with modern steel warships, steamboats, such as USS Maine.
causes of the war
U.S.S. Maine explosion
One major cause was the explosion of the USS Maine on February 15, 1898, in Havana Harbor, killing 266 Americans. While the exact cause was unknown, American newspapers immediately blamed Spain, fueling public outrage.
cuban revolution
Cubans revolted against Spanish rule in uprisings like the Ten Years’ War and the Cuban War of Independence. Spain’s harsh response, including the use of reconcentration camps, caused widespread suffering and gained international attention, especially in the U.S.
yellow journalism
The growing influence of yellow journalism, led by publishers like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, exaggerated Spanish atrocities and stirred American anger with headlines like “Remember the Maine!”
-
war timeline
- April 25, 1898: The U.S. formally declared war on Spain.
- May 1, 1898: The first major battle, the Battle of Manila Bay, took place in the Philippines. Commodore George Dewey led the U.S. Navy to a decisive victory, destroying the Spanish Pacific fleet without losing a single American ship.
- June–July 1898: The U.S. focused on Cuba. Key battles included:
• Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1): U.S. forces, including Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, captured this critical high ground, securing a path to Santiago.
• Battle of Santiago de Cuba (July 3): The U.S. Navy destroyed Spain’s Atlantic fleet, effectively ending Spain’s ability to fight in the Caribbean.
- July 25, 1898: The U.S. invaded Puerto Rico, facing little resistance.
5.August 13, 1898: The Siege of Manila in the Philippines ended with American forces capturing the city, marking the last major battle of the war.