William McKinley and the Spanish-American War

Background

• William McKinley became president of the USA in 1897.
• The USA was upset about the situation in Cuba, a Spanish colony rebelling against Spanish rule since 1895.
• Rise in American nationalism and stories of Spanish cruelty fueled public anger.

Events Leading to War

• American press and public wanted action; McKinley was initially hesitant.
• Incident: Spanish ambassador criticized McKinley, leading to the deployment of the USS Maine to Cuba.
• February 1898: USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, increasing public demand for war.
• April 21, 1898: USA declared war on Spain under the slogan "Remember the Maine, to hell with Spain."

Reasons for Spanish Resistance

• Spain was aware it would likely lose but fought to maintain honor and protect its empire's remnants.
• Cuba and the Philippines were last major possessions of the Spanish Empire.

The War

The Philippines

• Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Manila Bay.
• US Army landed with revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo, who declared Filipino independence.
• Spain attempted to send a relief fleet but failed after the US captured Guam without resistance.

The Caribbean

• US captured Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and advanced inland.
• Rough Riders, led by Theodore Roosevelt, became famous for their role.
• Battle of San Juan Hill: Spanish inflicted heavy casualties but eventually retreated.

Naval Engagements

• Battle of Santiago de Cuba: Major naval battle where the US destroyed the Spanish fleet.

Outcome

• Puerto Rico invaded by the US; Spanish forces resisted.
• By mid-August, US captured Santiago and Spanish governor in the Philippines surrendered.
• Spain sought peace; December peace treaty: Spain lost Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico to the US.
• Cuba became US Protectorate until 1902.

Impact

• US Secretary of State John Hay called it a "splendid little war".
• Demonstrated US naval strength; low American combat casualties.
• Spain's military reputation remained strong despite defeat.
• Loss of Cuba marked the end of the Spanish Empire and rise of the American Empire.

Acknowledgments

• Special thanks to patrons for support.
• Highlighted patrons include James Bissonnette, David Archaeologists, and others.