Unit 7: Topic 3 - The Spanish–American War Flashcards
What was “yellow journalism”?
Yellow journalism is a style of newspaper reporting that emphasizes sensationalism over facts. It is commonly mentioned regarding Spanish control over Cuba. During the late 1800s, exaggerated reports of Spanish atrocities against Cubans helped sell newspapers. When the USS Maine exploded outside Havana in 1898, these newspapers declared it a Spanish sabotage despite a lack of evidence.
Yellow journalism is credited as a key contributor to U.S. imperialism. William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer are the newspaper publishers best associated with yellow journalism.
What caused the Spanish-American War (1898)?
The underlying cause of the Spanish-American War was the shift in sentiment toward expansion and imperialism. However, the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, anger over accounts of Spanish mistreatment of Cubans, the publication of the De Lôme letter, and the exaggerations and lies of yellow journalism helped provide the momentum for the war.
Newspapers were quick to falsely blame the Spanish for the sinking of Maine, and it provided a reason for imperialists to assume control of Spanish colonies as their empire crumbled.
What was the purpose of the Teller Amendment (1898)?
Congress passed the Teller Amendment in response to President McKinley’s war message. It declared that the U.S. would not conquer or annex Cuba, ensuring that the Spanish-American War would result in Cuban independence.
After the war, the Platt Amendment helped the United States indirectly control and influence Cuba’s economy, politics, and foreign policy.
What was the De Lôme letter?
The Spanish ambassador to the United States sent a letter to the Spanish government containing an insulting critique of President McKinley. Ambassador De Lôme’s letter was leaked and published in U.S. newspapers, enraging many Americans. This happened just a few weeks before the explosion of the USS Maine.
How did the Platt Amendment affect Cuban independence?
The Platt Amendment was a treaty between the United States and Cuba following the Spanish-American War. It enabled Cuba to become independent from Spain and removed the American troops occupying the country. In return, it granted the U.S. the right to involve itself in Cuban affairs and established a permanent U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
The United States did not directly imperialize Cuba, but this agreement did limit its independence as it forced them to follow the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
Why did the U.S. take over the Philippines in the Spanish-American War?
The U.S. “liberated” the Philippines from the Spanish and then declared it a U.S. territory in 1898. It was viewed as a “stepping stone” into Asia that would encourage trade and open markets for American products.
The Filipinos fought back under the direction of Emilio Aguinaldo in the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). This war resulted in the deaths of at least 200,000 Filipino civilians. In the end, the U.S. retained control until the granting of independence following WWII.
How did Hawaii become a U.S. territory?
After American businessmen overthrew Queen Liliʻuokalani with the help of U.S. Marines in 1893, they asked the U.S. Government to annex them as a territory. President Grover Cleveland refused, so they waited until the Spanish-American War.
President William McKinley was enthusiastic about expansion and viewed the addition of Hawaii and the Philippines as a necessary step towards increasing trade with Asian nations. After the Spanish-American War, the annexation was approved in 1900 against the wishes of the Native Hawaiians.
What was the Open Door Policy (1899) with China?
The U.S. government was concerned that they would be shut out of trade with China by competing with European rivals. U.S. Secretary of State John Hay sent the “Open Door” note to several European Powers in 1899, asking them to respect the right of all nations to trade with China.
While this differs from most imperialist expansion under President McKinley, it fits with the theme of using all tools necessary to expand American influence and trade across the Pacific Ocean.
How did the diplomatic stance of the U.S. evolve over the early 1900s?
Roosevelt Corollary (1904) - Theodore Roosevelt added to the Monroe Doctrine by stating that nations in the Western hemisphere were not open to colonization by European countries. The U.S. would be involved in their internal affairs to “restore stability” as needed. Roosevelt reinforced this with his “big stick” policy, referring to U.S. power as a form of intimidation that could be utilized in negotiations. “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”
Dollar Diplomacy (1909-1913) - William Taft adjusted Roosevelt’s policy to reflect U.S. economic might, coercing countries into agreements that benefitted the United States.
Lodge Corollary (1912) - Senator Henry Cabot Lodge further added to the Monroe Doctrine by stating that the U.S. would oppose foreign business interests taking substantial control within the Western hemisphere.
Wilson’s Moral Diplomacy (1913-1921) - Woodrow Wilson’s shift towards promoting democratic values internationally. He pledged support to nations that would help create peace and self-determination.
