Michael Grabis

Spanish American War

By: Michael Grabis and

Marko Kostich

Reasons for Going to War

Americans wanted to run the Spaniards out of the American Hemisphere, due to America’s needs for further expansion

The ship Maine exploded, Americans were furious for revenge (even though Spain didn’t destroy the ship)

Americans wanted to give Cuba freedom from the clutches of Spain

Why War? (Part 1)

Well, as the book says, America “naturally wanted to side with the revolutionaries” (pg. 152). Newspapers released scary, even fake, stories about what was going on between everyone. It all started with America just wanting to kick nasty Spain’s butt out of the “American” hemisphere, which happened to include their Cuban neighbors.

Why War? (Part 2)

The USA battleship Maine sailed into the Havana harbor, and in reality, it’s engine exploded, causing it to blow up into bits and pieces, killing many soldiers on the ship. The newspapers needed more juice for its readers, however, and said the Spaniards had attacked it with new bombing machines. Americans were infuriated. Just like at Haymarket, panic took over, and all the public/congress/president wanted was war.

U.S Battleship Maine

This was the ship that the Americans thought Spain exploded. Due to investigations in 1976, it was due to an inner hull

explosion.

Why War? (Part 3)

Another reason for this war was another opportunity for America to expand. By getting rid of all these interfering Spaniards, they could claim whatever land wasn’t taken. As a result of this war, America got territories ranging from Hawaii, Philippines, Guam and Wake Island, to all the way to Puerto Rico. Don’t think the government didn’t have this in mind while fighting and going to war. And, with all these new territories, they could expand their people, land, and their natural resources.

Reasons for America Wanting Certain Islands

It will keep open markets for trading with China Americans were greedy for land Needed extra land for expanding Keep control over the middle of the Pacific Ocean,

such as bases on remote islands, and harbors/ports for military regulation

Unique land conditions, good weather for farming Quicker trade routes to near Asia and Australia

Heroes Vs. Villains

Heroes: William McKinley: soldier and

president, had experience Theodore Roosevelt: organized

battles for war, changed cavalry into “Weary Walkers”

Admiral Dewey: sank every Spanish ship in Manila Bay

Villains: Queen Isabella and King

Ferdinand: controlled Cuba William McKinley: was a coward,

gave in to the decision of war Mark Hanna: disapproved of T.R’s

presidency Media: falsely reporting news, for

more readers (yellow journalism) Americans (citizens):wanted war,

and to run Spain out

The Media: Good or Bad?

Throughout the war, few reporters told the truth about the war. Majority of the people made up facts to impress the public, to grab reader’s attention. Yellow journalism was the name of the crime. Americans didn’t find out until later. For example, they wrote that the US Battleship Maine, was bombed and sunk by the Spaniards. In reality, due to investigations in 1976, the explosion was found to have happened because of internal failure.

Spanish American War Newspaper

Click icon to add picture

This is a newspaper reporting on the war. The media lied to the public about many things during the war, so more people would be interested in

it. This was called Yellow Journalism.

The Results Are In

The North and South, mended many Civil War oppositions, thus uniting them back as one nation.

More islands meant more resources, and better production of the country.

This could also help protect the mainland.Cuba was now free, US attained many

commonwealths.