Spanish-American War

US History

Period 5

Ms. Walker

Why Did America go to war with Spain?

• For many years, hundreds of thousands of people in Cuba had been victims of the unfair Spanish Government.

• Many Americans lived in or owned businesses in Cuba. These people felt like the US should help Cubans become free of Spain.

• In attempt to avoid going to war, President McKinley offered to buy the island of Cuba but the Spanish refused.

Why did America go to War with Spain con’t…

• In 1889, President McKinley sent the battleship USS Maine to Cuba to protect American lives and property.

• The battleship Maine exploded on Feb.15th, 1898 and sank into the harbor of Havana, Cuba. (killed 260 American Sailors)

• Newspapers blamed the Spanish Government for this attack.

• On April 9, 1898, Spain promised that it would stop fighting with Cuba. However, many Americans were still furious about the Maine explosion and wanted to go to war.

Why did America go to War with Spain con’t…

• On April 11th, 1898, President McKinley was criticized for not punishing Spain for the explosion and therefore he decided to use Military to stop the war in Cuba.

• When Spain heard about McKinley’s actions, they declared war on the US.

Spanish-American Vocab.

• Compete- To try to win or gain something

• Armistice- A break in a war to talk peace

• Republic- A government in which citizens elect people who speak and act for them.

• Imperialism- The practice of taking over land to become a stronger nation.

• Aboard- Throughout the world.