The Spanish-American War Flashcards
Who was Jose Marti?
Conspirator for Cuban Independence, 1850/60s published propaganda newspapers, Spain sentenced him to hard labour & sent to Spain for re-education, studied law/journalism, still supported Cuba Libre, permenantly exiled, travelled through Central America, 1880 NYC met Cubans, became a writer for Latin/American newspapers, created support.
What was the growing problem faced by Cuba as a result of trade with the US?
Unequal exchange, becoming dependent on the US for manufactured goods. Spain getting a lot of money from Cuba who earned it from import duties. Triangular trade.
In the 1890s how did Jose Marti try to bring about a Cuban Independence?
Great speaker, moved Cubans, raised money for insurrection, got American and Latin American sympathy through his articles, 1892 founded the PRC (revolutionary party), journal ‘Homeland’,1893 got a shipment of arms for Cuba, confiscated by US, 1895 Marti gathered his associate, went to the Dominican Republic got General Gomaz, went to Cuba and made contact with local revolutionaries, found Spanish encampment and was killed.
How did Marti’s death impact Cuban Independence?
Became a martyr. Revolt starts in Eastern Cuba, supporters from 10 year war join. By 1896 there was a strong revolutionary movement in the East.
How did the US react to this revolutionary outbreak in 1896?
Unhappy, lot of capital invested in Cuba, good trade, stabilising relationship with Spain, didn’t want to get involved, held back, US told Spain to either reform their government in Cuba or they’ll lose it. McKinley (elected 1897) supported Spain in the initial revolution. Tell them they need to give Cuba more self-autonomy.
How did Cuba react to the US supporting Spain?
Cuban rebels denied the world sugar to get the USA’s attention, scorched earth, Spain sent General Weyler in response and told him to end the revolt.
What impact did General Weyler have on the revolt?
Cubans led guerrilla warfare, Weyler used internment camps, disastrous policy, outbreak of disease at camps, abuse, malnourishment, not allowed out at night, Draconian policy, US press became sympathetic with the Cubans, pressure on President to respond, US government didn’t want to arm rebels.
In 1898 who did Spaniards in Cuba react to the revolts?
Spain losing the war, ready to secede but not give independence, Spaniards in Cuba begin to protest, threatened US businesses, USS Maine sent to protect US lives and property.
What happened to the USS Maine?
Explosion, sank, many fatalities, later ruled an accident but initially the Spanish were blamed and caused uproar in the US. Catalyst not a cause.
What impact did William Randolph Hearst have on the USA’s perceptions of what was happening in Cuba?
Yellow press, jingoistic (war provoking), romanticised war, Evangeline, woman in Cuban jail, rescued, created US public support for a war.
How did events escalate in early 1898 between the US and Spain?
McKinley got $50 million for defence from Congress, blamed Spanish for the sinking of the USS Maine, Cuban revolutionaries in NY worried US will annex Cuba, Spain declares war, US reciprocates.
How important was US intervention in Cuba during the Spanish American War?
Cubans had nearly finished their war with Spain, could have let them finish the war themselves, US press sensationalised the war.
