The Spanish-American War was a conflict that took place between the United States and Spain in 1898. It was a result of tensions between the two nations over Spain’s control of Cuba, which was seeking independence from Spanish colonial rule.
This worksheet provides answers to some of the key questions about the Spanish-American War, including the causes, events, and outcomes of the conflict. It is designed to help students understand the historical significance of this war and its impact on both the United States and Spain.
The answers provided in this worksheet explain how the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was one of the main triggers for the war, as it led to widespread public outcry and calls for intervention in Cuba. They also discuss the role of yellow journalism in shaping public opinion and fostering support for the war.
Additionally, the worksheet explores the major events of the war, such as the Battle of Manila Bay and the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, and their impacts on the outcome of the conflict. It also discusses the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war and resulted in the United States acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
The Spanish American War Worksheet Answers
In this worksheet, we will explore some key questions and answers about the Spanish American War, a conflict that took place between the United States and Spain in 1898. This war had significant implications for both countries and marked a turning point in the history of American foreign policy.
1. What were the main causes of the Spanish American War?
- Answer: The main causes of the Spanish American War include the explosion of the USS Maine, a US battleship, in Havana harbor; American support for Cuban independence; and the Yellow Press, which sensationalized news stories to generate public support for a war.
2. How did the United States get involved in the conflict?
- Answer: The United States became involved in the Spanish American War after the USS Maine exploded in Havana harbor. The incident was blamed on Spain, and the United States declared war to protect its interests in Cuba and to support Cuban independence.
3. What were the outcomes of the Spanish American War?
- Answer: The outcomes of the Spanish American War were the United States’ acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain. Cuba also gained its independence, although the United States maintained a significant influence over the country.
4. How did the war impact American foreign policy?
- Answer: The Spanish American War marked a shift in American foreign policy, as the United States emerged as a global power with overseas territories. This war also set a precedent for US intervention in the affairs of other nations, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America.
5. What lessons can be learned from the Spanish American War?
- Answer: Some key lessons from the Spanish American War include the importance of accurate reporting in the media, the need for careful consideration of military intervention, and the long-term consequences of acquiring overseas territories. This war also highlights the complexity of balancing national interests and humanitarian concerns in foreign policy.
By studying the Spanish American War and its implications, we can gain valuable insights into the role of the United States in the global arena and the complexities of international relations.
Causes of the Spanish American War
The Spanish American War was a conflict that took place in 1898 between the United States and Spain. There were several causes that led to the outbreak of this war.
Tensions in Cuba: One of the main causes of the Spanish American War was the ongoing tensions in Cuba. At the time, Cuba was a colony of Spain and had been struggling for independence. The Cuban people fought against Spanish rule, leading to a brutal conflict known as the Ten Years’ War (1868-1878) and the Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898). The United States had economic interests in Cuba, including sugar plantations and investments, and was sympathetic to the Cuban cause.
Yellow Journalism: Another cause of the Spanish American War was the influence of yellow journalism. This type of journalism, characterized by sensationalized and often exaggerated news stories, was popular in the late 19th century. Newspapers competed for readership and used yellow journalism to increase sales. In the case of the Spanish American War, newspapers published stories that depicted Spanish atrocities in Cuba, creating a public outcry and further fueling the desire for war.
- The sinking of the USS Maine: The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, was another cause that pushed the United States closer to war. The cause of the explosion that sank the ship was undetermined, but the American public blamed Spain. This event generated outrage and led to calls for military action against Spain.
- Desire for empire: The desire for empire and expansion was also a cause of the Spanish American War. The United States wanted to establish itself as a global power and saw the opportunity to acquire Spanish colonies, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The war provided an opportunity for the United States to assert its dominance and expand its influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
In conclusion, the Spanish American War was caused by the ongoing tensions in Cuba, the influence of yellow journalism, the sinking of the USS Maine, and the desire for empire and expansion. These factors combined to create a volatile situation that eventually led to the outbreak of war between the United States and Spain.
Events Leading to the Spanish American War
The Spanish American War was a conflict that occurred between the United States and Spain in 1898. There were several events that led to this war, escalating tensions between the two nations. One key event was the explosion of the USS Maine in the Havana Harbor.
The Explosion of the USS Maine: In February 1898, the USS Maine, an American battleship, was stationed in the Havana Harbor to protect American interests and citizens in Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence. However, on February 15, the ship exploded and sank, resulting in the death of 260 crew members. The cause of the explosion was unclear, but the American newspapers blamed Spain, fueling anti-Spanish sentiments in the United States.
As a result of the explosion of the USS Maine, tensions between the United States and Spain increased significantly. The incident became a rallying cry for war, and the phrase “Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain!” became a popular slogan. In addition to the explosion, there were other factors that contributed to the outbreak of the Spanish American War.
- Yellow Journalism: The American newspapers, particularly those owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, sensationalized news stories about the situation in Cuba. They portrayed the Spanish as cruel oppressors and exaggerated the atrocities occurring in Cuba. This form of journalism, known as yellow journalism, influenced public opinion and further fueled the desire for war.
- The De Lôme Letter: In February 1898, a letter written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Enrique Dupuy de Lôme, was leaked to the press. The letter criticized President William McKinley, calling him weak and a “bidding politician.” The publication of this letter angered Americans and increased anti-Spanish sentiments.
- The Sinking of the Spanish Ship, the Virginius: In October 1873, during the Ten Years’ War in Cuba, the Spanish ship the Virginius was captured by Cuban rebels. The Spanish authorities demanded the return of the ship, but the Americans refused. Eventually, the ship was returned to Spain, but the incident left a lasting impact on US-Spanish relations and contributed to the growing tensions between the two nations.
Overall, a combination of factors, including the explosion of the USS Maine, yellow journalism, the De Lôme Letter, and the incident with the Virginius, led to the Spanish American War. These events heightened tensions and ultimately pushed the United States to engage in a conflict with Spain in order to protect American interests and support Cuba’s struggle for independence.
Key Players and Nations Involved in the Spanish American War
The Spanish American War, which took place in 1898, involved several key players and nations. The principal opponents were the United States and Spain, with each country having its own motivations and interests in the conflict.
On one side, the United States was driven by a combination of factors including the desire to protect its interests in the Western Hemisphere, expand its influence in the Pacific, and support the Cuban independence movement. The United States’ involvement in the war was also influenced by sensationalist media coverage of events in Cuba, which prompted public outrage and calls for intervention.
The United States: The United States, under the leadership of President William McKinley, saw the Spanish American War as an opportunity to assert its power as a rising global power. The U.S. Navy, led by Commodore George Dewey, played a crucial role in the war, particularly in the Pacific. The U.S. Army also deployed troops to fight in Cuba and the Philippines. The war resulted in the United States acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, marking its emergence as a colonial power.
Spain: Spain, on the other hand, was a declining colonial power facing challenges both at home and abroad. The Spanish government was struggling to maintain control over its colonies, especially Cuba, which had been engaged in a prolonged struggle for independence. Spain’s defeat in the war led to the loss of its remaining colonies in the Americas and the Pacific, further weakening its status as a major world power.
- Cuba: Cuba was a major focus of the conflict, with the Cuban independence movement seeking to break free from Spanish colonial rule. The war eventually led to Cuba gaining independence, albeit with some limitations, as it became a quasi-protectorate of the United States.
- Philippines: The Philippines, another Spanish colony, played a significant role in the war. The United States saw the Philippines as a strategic location in the Pacific and sought to gain control over the islands. The war resulted in the overthrow of Spanish rule in the Philippines, but it also sparked a subsequent insurgency against American occupation.
In conclusion, the Spanish American War involved the United States, Spain, and various other players such as Cuba and the Philippines. The conflict had far-reaching consequences, leading to the emergence of the United States as a global power and the decline of Spanish colonialism.
Naval Battles and Major Land Campaigns in the Spanish American War
The Spanish American War was a conflict between the United States and Spain that took place in 1898. It began with a series of naval battles and major land campaigns that shaped the course of the war. These battles and campaigns were crucial in determining the outcome of the conflict and solidifying the United States as a global power.
Naval Battles
- The first major naval battle of the war occurred on April 24, 1898, when the U.S. Navy launched a surprise attack on the Spanish fleet stationed in the Philippines.
- This battle, known as the Battle of Manila Bay, resulted in a decisive victory for the United States, with the Spanish fleet suffering heavy losses.
- Another significant naval engagement was the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, which took place on July 3, 1898, off the coast of Cuba.
- In this battle, the U.S. Navy, led by Admiral George Dewey, successfully destroyed the Spanish fleet, effectively ending Spain’s naval presence in the Caribbean.
Major Land Campaigns
- One of the major land campaigns of the Spanish American War was the Battle of San Juan Hill, which took place in Cuba.
- On July 1, 1898, U.S. forces, including the Rough Riders led by Theodore Roosevelt, launched an assault on the Spanish positions at San Juan Hill.
- Despite heavy casualties, the American troops were able to capture the strategic heights, paving the way for the eventual victory in the war.
- Another significant land campaign was the Siege of Santiago, which lasted from June to July 1898.
- The U.S. forces, under the command of General William Shafter, successfully besieged the city of Santiago de Cuba, ultimately leading to the surrender of the Spanish forces.
The naval battles and major land campaigns in the Spanish American War were instrumental in securing victory for the United States. These military actions demonstrated the growing power and capabilities of the U.S. military and marked a turning point in American history, as the nation emerged as a global superpower.
Impact and Consequences of the Spanish American War
The Spanish American War had far-reaching impact and consequences for both Spain and the United States. This conflict was a turning point in the history of both nations and had significant political, social, and economic effects.
Political Impact:
- The United States emerged as a global power following the war. The victory over Spain established the U.S. as a force to be reckoned with in international politics.
- The war led to the acquisition of new territories for the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion marked the beginning of American imperialism.
- The war also fueled debates over U.S. interventionism and the role of the United States in global affairs.
Social Impact:
- The Spanish American War stirred up patriotic fervor in the United States, as people rallied behind the cause of fighting for freedom and helping an oppressed people.
- The war also exposed the abuses of the Spanish colonial rule and led to increased sympathy for the independence movements in Cuba and the Philippines.
Economic Impact:
- The Spanish American War opened up new markets for American businesses in the acquired territories, leading to increased trade and economic opportunities.
- The war also had a significant impact on the sugar industry, as the United States gained control over sugar-producing regions like Cuba and Puerto Rico.
- The acquisition of the Philippines also provided the United States with access to Asian markets, allowing for further economic expansion.
In conclusion, the Spanish American War had a profound impact on both Spain and the United States. It transformed the political landscape, fueled debates on interventionism, and marked the beginning of American imperialism. It also had a social impact, raising awareness of colonial abuses and inspiring support for independence movements. Furthermore, the war opened up new economic opportunities for the United States, expanding trade and providing access to new markets.