THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

1898

Cause: The Spanish-American War was an armed military conflict between Spain and The United States that took place between April and August 1898, over the issues of the liberation of Cuba. The war began after American demand for the resolution of the Cuban fight for independence was rejected by Spain. Strong expansionist sentiment in The United States motivated the government to develop a plan for annexation of Spain’s remaining overseas territories including the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam.

The revolution in Havana prompted The United States to send in the warship USS Maine to indicate high national interest. Tension among the American people was raised because of the explosion of the USS Maine, and the yellow journalist newspapers that accused Spain of oppression in the colonies, agitating American public opinion.

The Conclusion: The war ended after victories for The United States in the Philippine Islands and Cuba. On December 10, 1898, the signing of The Treaty Of Paris gave The United States control of Cuba, The Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam.