The Spanish-American War (April - August 1898)
Introduction
The Spanish-American War (1898) was a conflict fought between the United States and Spain that stopped Spanish colonial rule in the Americas and resulted in the United States to gain territories in the western Pacific and Latin America.
Causes of the War
1. Yellow Journalism
Facts
- Cubans were being treated horribly by the Spanish, which led to Cuba's desire for independence
- The U.S. supported the Cubans both for humanitarian and economic and trade reasons
- On April 25th, 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain
- About 306,760 American troops were engaged in the war
- The Treaty of Paris was signed on December 10th, 1898
Major Events of the War
- April 25, 1898: The U.S. Congress declares war on Spain
- May 1, 1898: First battle between the Spanish and the Americans
- June 22, 1898: U.S. troops landed in Cuba
- July 1, 1898: U.S. forces defeat the Spanish at San Juan Heights
- July 3, 1898: U.S. forces destroy the Spanish fleet off Santiago Bay, Cuba
- July 17, 1898: The Spanish surrender at Santiago
- August 12, 1898: Both sides signed the Protocol of Peace
- December 10, 1898: The Treaty of Paris is signed by representatives from the U.S. and Spain
Results of the War
- U.S. acquires Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines
- Hawaii
- Platt Amendment