Spanish American War and American Expansion

1. Spanish American War and American Expansion SSUSH14 The student will explain America’s evolving relationship with the world at the turn of the twentieth century. b. Describe the Spanish-American War, the war in the Philippines, and the debate over American expansionism. c. Explain U.S. involvement in Latin America, as reflected by the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine and the creation of the Panama Canal.

2. The Path to War 1. February 1898 – American newspapers published a stolen letter from the Spanish ambassador in Washington, Dupuyde Lome • The letter describe President McKinley as “weak and a bidder for the admiration of the crowd” • The press used this as an opportunity to stir up anti-Spanish fervor

3. 2. Shortly after this, McKinley ordered the ship the USS Maine to the Havana harbor to protect American citizens and property • On February 15, 1898, an explosion sank the Maine, killing more than 250 American sailors • The blast was probably an accident, but the American public blamed Spain – the papers helped stir this up and called for war

4. 3. Another of Spain’s colonial possessions, Philippines, was also rebelling • Then Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt planned for war with Spain without the President’s permission – he thought the Philippines could be a key base to protect Asian trade • In late March, McKinley sent a list of demands to Spain – it included compensation for the Maine, an end to reconcentration camps, a truce in Cuba, and Cuban independence • Spain accepted all but the last term • With the battle cry “Remember the Maine!” the U.S. declared war a few days later

5. The Spanish American War begins • The first battle of the war was fought in the Philippines on May 1, 1898 when a surprise attack was launched on the Spanish fleet in the Pacific • The entire fleet was destroyed in 7 hours • Meanwhile, the army was gathering in Tampa, FL to prepare for an invasion of Cuba, including the most famous group, the Rough Riders

6. The Rough Riders were lead by Theodore Roosevelt and were made up of a variety of different men • The U.S. blocked the Spanish fleet from escaping the Santiago harbor • Roosevelt led the Rough Riders in 2 famous battles, Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill • The Spanish fleet tried to escape on July 3 and was destroyed by the U.S. Navy

7. The war was quickly over and the Treaty of Paris was signed in December 1898 • The terms of the treaty: Spain recognized Cuba’s independence and gave the U.S. the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam

8. The Panama Canal • The Spanish American War showed the U.S. the need for a shorter way between the Atlantic and the Pacific • Groups had tried and failed before to build a canal on the isthmus of Panama, then controlled by Colombia • The U.S. decided that this was the best place to build the canal

9. Colombia was waiting for its lease to the first owners to expire so they could charge more money • The U.S. backed up a rebellion by Panama against Colombia so they could get the land at a cheaper rate • The U.S. recognized the independent Panama and in return got a permanent grant of land to build the canal • Construction began in 1904 and was completed in 1914 • Many people, especially in South America, disagreed with the methods used to get the canal land